The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently issued an alarming safety alert addressing potential problems with the rudder controls of Boeing 737 aircraft.
The problem, which is caused by improperly installed rudder bearings, could lead to a locked rudder, thus posing a significant threat to flight safety. The FAA has urged Boeing 737 operators to inspect the rudder system of their aircraft as soon as possible to avoid potential operational risks. This warning follows an investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) stemming from a critical incident that occurred back in February of this year.
The problem in detail
The safety alert, issued on October 6, specifically highlights the risks associated with the rudder torque tube bearings. These components are critical to the correct movement of the rudder system. If the bearings are not installed correctly, it could cause the rudder to lock up, making it much more difficult to control the aircraft. Such a failure could be particularly critical during takeoff and landing, when precise rudder control is essential.
The FAA recommends that airlines inform their pilots that the rudder may become blocked or restricted during flight or upon landing, particularly due to moisture that can accumulate and freeze, underscoring the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate action.
United Airlines incident and NTSB investigation
This warning is the result of an investigation into an incident that occurred on a United Airlines flight at Newark Airport in February 2024. In that incident, the rudder pedals were locked in the neutral position, causing a serious flight safety hazard. Fortunately, no one was injured, but the NTSB's investigation has revealed that the problem may be more widespread than initially thought. In total, more than 40 foreign operators of Boeing 737 aircraft may be faced with similar rudder components that pose a potential safety risk.
The FAA estimates that as many as 271 affected parts may be installed on aircraft operated by at least 40 foreign and 16 U.S. carriers, and that as many as 75 parts may have been used in retrofits. This number suggests that the problem could potentially have far-reaching effects on the global aviation industry.
Boeing's response to the safety warning
Boeing has acknowledged the problem and is working closely with the FAA, as well as affected airlines and maintenance teams, to resolve the issue as quickly as possible. In an official statement, the aircraft manufacturer stressed that it has issued technical guidance detailing steps for inspecting and resolving the bearing assembly. Boeing has also reminded operators of the actions flight crews should take if they encounter rudder restrictions.
Critical voices and further steps
The NTSB's response to the incident was not without criticism. The agency accused Boeing of failing to inform United Airlines that the 737s it received had actuators "mechanically linked to the rudder control system." These failures have raised concerns about information sharing and safety for other airlines that may have unknowingly installed similar components on their aircraft.
United Airlines said it had already removed all problematic rudder control elements earlier this year. According to the company, the rudder control parts in question were only used on nine of its 737 aircraft, which were originally built for other airlines. This clarification could restore passenger confidence in the airline's safety, but the question remains as to how other operators are handling the situation.