NTSB Raises Alarm Over Boeing 737 Rudder Safety Risks

The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued urgent safety recommendations regarding potential rudder control system issues in Boeing 737 airplanes. The concern follows incidents involving both U.S. and foreign-operated aircraft. The NTSB has called out Boeing for not adequately informing airlines about these risks, urging immediate corrective measures.

The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued a warning on Monday about potential safety risks in the rudder control system of Boeing 737 airplanes, affecting over 40 foreign operators. The advisory came after a February incident involving a United Airlines flight, followed by two similar cases in 2019 involving foreign carriers.

NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy expressed concerns that some airlines might be unaware of the presence of these problematic actuators on their 737 airplanes. This issue adds to Boeing's woes, which have included multiple safety questions and incidents, such as a missed bolt issue in January on an Alaska Airlines MAX 9.

Boeing's shares dropped 2.7% on Monday as the NTSB stated that U.S. airlines no longer use the affected actuators, but over 271 impacted parts may still be installed in foreign-operated aircraft. The FAA has pledged to intensify simulator testing and convene with civil aviation authorities to ensure proper measures are taken.

(With inputs from agencies.)