NTSB Calls for Immediate Action on Rudder Safety
After completing its investigation, the NTSB urged Boeing and the FAA to implement prompt corrective measures due to identified risks associated with certain rudder components, particularly the rudder rollout guidance actuator, in various 737 models. In response, the FAA instructed pilots and airlines to revisit the procedures for addressing a jammed rudder and highlighted the critical need for identifying rudder issues during landing approaches. However, the FAA has not mandated the replacement of the affected parts at this time, choosing instead to gather more data before determining whether to enforce mandatory corrective actions.
Global Implications and Affected Aircraft
The NTSB also indicated that over 40 international operators and 16 U.S.-registered Boeing 737 aircraft may still be utilizing rudder components that present safety hazards. These affected aircraft include various models within the Boeing 737 series, including the Next Generation variant. Boeing has since reminded operators of the necessary steps to take if pilots experience a restricted rudder, while also collaborating with regulators to monitor the situation closely.
In August 2023, Boeing alerted airlines to potential issues with the rudder system via a Multi Operator Message. Investigations that followed indicated that as many as 271 defective rudder components might have been fitted to aircraft currently in operation. Furthermore, both the FAA and Boeing have cautioned that moisture buildup could freeze, leading to a possible jam of the rudder during flight or landing, thereby increasing the risk associated with this problem.
Additionally, the FAA and NTSB are probing a separate incident involving an Aeromexico Boeing 737 MAX from March 2023, where the rudder pedals exhibited restrictions and unusual noises were reported in the cockpit. Although there were no injuries, the recurring rudder issues in Boeing 737 aircraft have led regulatory agencies to conduct a comprehensive review of the safety of these components.
Boeing's initiatives to tackle the existing rudder problems come in the wake of a tumultuous history with the 737 series, especially the 737 MAX, which was grounded worldwide after two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019. Although the 737 MAX resumed operations in 2020 with enhanced safety measures, including updates to the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS), both the model and the entire 737 family remain under close examination regarding safety matters.
The ongoing challenges faced by Boeing underscore the vital need for rigorous safety protocols, effective regulatory oversight, and clear communication among manufacturers, regulators, and airlines. These measures are essential for preserving trust in the safety and dependability of commercial aviation.