The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued urgent safety recommendations to Boeing and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) following an investigation into a rudder malfunction on a United Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8.
The incident, which occurred in February at Newark Liberty International Airport, involved the rudder pedals becoming stuck in a neutral position during landing, though no injuries were reported among the 161 passengers and crew.
The NTSB’s investigation revealed that moisture had accumulated inside the rudder actuators, freezing and causing the jam. These actuators, manufactured by Collins Aerospace, were incorrectly assembled, making them susceptible to moisture infiltration. The faulty actuators affect more than 353 Boeing 737 aircraft, including both the 737 MAX and older 737 NG models.
In response to the NTSB’s findings, the safety board recommended Boeing notify crews operating the affected 737 models about the potential for a jammed rudder system and develop new procedures for pilots to follow in such situations. The current flight manual advises pilots to apply maximum pedal force to overcome a stuck rudder, but the NTSB warns this could lead to sudden, unintended rudder movements and potential loss of control during landing.
The FAA, which has been closely monitoring the issue, is expected to convene a corrective action review board to evaluate the NTSB’s recommendations and determine further steps. Although United Airlines was the only US carrier operating planes with the faulty actuators, the FAA may extend the review to other international carriers operating similar aircraft.
The incident occurred on February 6, when a United Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 experienced rudder pedal issues during landing in Newark. The captain successfully used an alternative steering mechanism, the nose wheel steering tiller, to guide the aircraft to a safe stop. United later conducted a test flight and confirmed the rudder malfunction. The faulty components were promptly replaced across the airline’s fleet.
The NTSB’s recommendations mark the latest in a series of safety concerns surrounding Boeing’s 737 MAX, a model previously grounded after two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019. Boeing has worked to address these issues, but safety remains a top priority as the FAA continues to oversee production and regulatory compliance.
Both Boeing and its supplier, Collins Aerospace, are cooperating fully with the NTSB’s investigation and are working to mitigate any further operational risks. Boeing’s continued dedication to aircraft safety, along with the FAA’s proactive review process, highlights the industry’s commitment to addressing concerns swiftly and ensuring safe air travel for passengers and crews.
Reuters, the Associated Press, and the Washington Post contributed to this report.
