NTSB Issues Urgent Safety Warning for Boeing 737 Max Engines

Boeing 737 Max aircraft are facing renewed safety concerns after two bird strike incidents in 2023 involving Southwest Airlines flights—one in Cuba and the other in New Orleans. These events prompted the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to issue an urgent safety recommendation targeting planes equipped with CFM International LEAP-1B engines.

In its statement, the NTSB warned of the risk of smoke entering the cockpit or cabin due to potential engine oil leaks in the ventilation system. The recommendation specifically applies to aircraft using the LEAP-1B engines found on Boeing 737 Max jets and advises further evaluation of similar risks with LEAP-1A and LEAP-1C engines, which are also used on Airbus A320neo models.

“The NTSB is concerned that flight crews operating these airplanes may not be fully aware of the potential hazard,” the agency said. The issue stems from the possibility that hot engine oil can leak into the bleed air system, introducing smoke into the aircraft’s air circulation, posing a serious threat to flight safety.

In response to the safety bulletin, Boeing confirmed that a software design update is in progress. “CFM International and Boeing have been working on a software design update. We support the NTSB’s recommendation,” the company said.

The situation underscores ongoing scrutiny of the Boeing 737 Max and its engines, even as the aircraft continues to operate globally across numerous fleets.


The NTSB released an 11-page report on the matter. https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/Pages/DCA24LA330.aspx


Related News: https://airguide.info/?s=boeing+737, https://airguide.info/category/air-travel-business/travel-health-security/safety/

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ntsb.gov