FAA Criticized for Delayed Response to Boeing 737 Safety Concern
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has criticized the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for not addressing a serious safety issue involving some Boeing 737 aircraft. NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy expressed disappointment in a letter to FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker, accusing the agency of failing to act after a United Airlines Boeing 737 MAX experienced jammed rudder pedals while landing in Newark, New Jersey, on February 6.
Last week, the NTSB issued an “urgent” safety warning, highlighting the risk posed by certain rudder actuators installed on some 737 models. These actuators could cause the aircraft to veer off the runway during landing, raising concerns for Boeing’s troubled 737 MAX line, which has faced several safety issues, including two fatal crashes and a door plug failure earlier this year.
Homendy emphasized that the FAA has not taken sufficient steps in the six months since the initial report of the incident. Although United Airlines has since removed the problematic rudder actuators from its fleet, the NTSB remains concerned that other airlines may still be unaware of the risk.
In response, the FAA stated it has formed a team to address the issue, is notifying airlines worldwide, and plans to conduct additional simulator testing. The FAA assured, “We thank the NTSB for the recommendations, and we are taking them seriously.” The ongoing safety concerns surrounding Boeing’s 737 MAX continue to put pressure on both Boeing and the FAA to improve oversight and safety measures.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, bloomberg.com, yahoo.com