NTSB Urges Rudder Control Overhaul for Boeing 737s Following Incident

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued urgent recommendations addressing potential jams in the rudder control system of some Boeing 737 airplanes. This follows an incident on a United Airlines flight. The FAA is closely monitoring the issue and plans to review corrective actions.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued an urgent safety alert Thursday concerning the potential for a jammed rudder control system in some Boeing 737 models. This follows a February incident where a United Airlines 737 MAX 8 experienced stuck rudder pedals during a landing at Newark, though fortunately, there were no injuries among the 161 passengers and crew.

United Airlines revealed that the suspect rudder control parts were only in nine of its aircraft, originally built for other airlines. These components have been removed as of earlier this year. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been closely monitoring the matter and will convene a corrective action review board to decide the next steps.

The FAA confirmed that United is the only U.S. carrier using these components, which are believed to be no longer in service. The NTSB recommends Boeing alert flight crews about the potential for jamming due to moisture and advise on appropriate responses. Additionally, they urge the FAA to determine whether certain actuators made by Collins Aerospace need to be removed from service, pending replacement units.

(With inputs from agencies.)