Safety Alert Issued for Boeing 737 Rudder Issues

By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a safety alert to airlines regarding potential limited or jammed rudder movement in certain Boeing 737 aircraft.

Last week, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported that over 40 foreign operators might be using Boeing 737 MAX or Next Generation planes that contain rudder components posing safety risks.

The FAA alert highlights an automated check of the rudder system that identifies limited or jammed movement prior to landing.

On September 26, the NTSB released urgent safety recommendations, urging the FAA to act due to the potential for a jammed rudder control system on some 737s, following an incident with a United Airlines flight in February.

The NTSB identified 271 at-risk parts that could be on aircraft operated by over 40 foreign airlines, with 16 potentially on U.S.-registered planes and up to 75 used in aftermarket installations.

Boeing, which did not comment immediately, had informed affected operators about a "potential condition with the rudder rollout guidance actuator" in August through a Multi Operator Message.

NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy expressed concerns to FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker about other airlines potentially being unaware of the presence of these actuators on their 737s. The FAA plans to inform international aviation agencies about this issue.

The NTSB is investigating a February incident involving a United 737 MAX 8 where the rudder pedals were reportedly stuck in the neutral position during a landing at Newark. No injuries occurred among the 161 passengers and crew.

United stated last month that the rudder control parts were in use on only nine of its aircraft that were originally built for other airlines, and that these components were removed earlier this year.

The NTSB previously criticized Boeing for not informing United that the 737s it received were reportedly equipped with actuators connected to the rudder control system, raising concerns that other airlines might be unaware of this detail.