Why Is the FAA Investigating a Boeing 737 MAX Rudder Control Anomaly?

The FAA has opened a formal investigation into the Boeing 737 MAX rudder control issue. This action follows a recent Southwest Airlines flight anomaly report. The airline noted a minor control problem during a standard flight operation. The Federal Aviation Administration probe seeks to determine if a systemic problem exists. This is a critical step for commercial aviation safety globally.

Background on the Anomaly

This new inquiry relates to an earlier, more severe incident. In May 2024, a Southwest 737 MAX 8 experienced a "Dutch roll" mid-flight. This is an unusual, oscillating motion of the aircraft. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigated this event. Their findings revealed structural damage to the rudder system on the airplane. The damage was found on the vertical stabilizer trailing edge ribs. This structural damage adversely affected the strength of the rudder system fitting. The NTSB report indicated the anomalous behavior began after scheduled maintenance. The pilots were able to land the aircraft safely in Oakland, California.

Broader Regulatory Concerns

The FAA 737 MAX rudder investigation is part of a wider focus on the aircraft's flight control systems. In October 2024, the FAA issued a Safety Alert for Operators (SAFO). This alert warned airlines about potential for limited or jammed rudder movement. This warning covered both 737 Next Generation (NG) and 737 MAX airplanes. The concern stemmed from a separate February 2024 incident involving a United Airlines 737 MAX 8. In that event, the rudder pedals were reportedly "stuck" during landing.

Further NTSB testing found the issue was related to the Rudder Rollout Guidance Actuator (RRGA). Moisture could accumulate and freeze inside the actuator. The NTSB issued urgent safety recommendations to both Boeing and the FAA. These recommendations urged action to address the potential for a jammed rudder control system. Global aviation regulators, including EASA, are closely monitoring the situation.

Potential Industry Impact

The current regulatory safety probe could have significant consequences. If the FAA finds a systemic problem, it may issue an Airworthiness Directive potential (AD). An AD would mandate inspections or modifications across the entire 737 MAX fleet inspection. This would impact operations for airlines worldwide. The prior December 2023 request from Boeing for airlines to check for loose bolts in the rudder control system shows the ongoing nature of these concerns. The industry is watching for any signs of a broader lapse in production quality control. The goal is to ensure the integrity of all aircraft flight control systems.

• The FAA probe focuses on the Boeing 737 MAX control issue after a recent Southwest report.
• The NTSB previously found structural damage to the rudder system after a Dutch roll incident.
• A separate issue involving frozen rudder actuators prompted an FAA safety alert in 2024.
• Any new Airworthiness Directive would require immediate action from global 737 MAX operators.

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