FAA Investigates Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 Max Incident

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ICARO Media Group
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15/06/2024 23h40

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation after a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 Max experienced a dangerous oscillating motion known as a "Dutch roll" during a flight last month. Despite the concerning incident, the pilots were able to regain control and safely land the aircraft without any reported injuries.

The flight, which took place on May 25 from Phoenix to Oakland, California, encountered the Dutch roll phenomenon. This hazardous motion involves a combination of tail slide and roll, making it challenging for pilots to manage and recover from.

Upon inspection after landing, the FAA discovered damage to a backup power unit responsible for providing power to the rudder. This damage is believed to be a potential cause for the Dutch roll experienced by the Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 Max.

The FAA emphasized that no other airlines have reported similar issues with the Boeing 737 Max. However, this incident adds to the scrutiny surrounding the aircraft model as previous safety concerns have arisen.

Earlier this year, an Alaska Airlines flight with the same model experienced a door blowout incident, prompting investigations that revealed safety check negligence and manufacturing errors within Boeing's production process. Consequently, Boeing has faced increasing pressure from regulators and Congress to address these issues and prioritize safety and quality over production.

FAA Administrator Michael Whittaker expressed concerns about Boeing's safety culture in March, stating, "Their priorities have been focused on production and not on safety and quality." He emphasized the need to shift the focus from production to safety and quality.

In March, the FAA conducted a six-week audit of Boeing, during which multiple instances of alleged non-compliance with manufacturing quality control requirements were identified.

As the FAA investigation into the Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 Max incident continues, it serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety and adhering to rigorous manufacturing and quality control standards in the aviation industry.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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