Global Safety Concerns Raised Over Boeing 737 Rudder Components

The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has raised urgent safety concerns regarding rudder components in Boeing 737 aircraft used by over 40 foreign operators. Following incidents involving foreign airlines and a United Airlines flight, the NTSB is calling for immediate action to mitigate potential risks and ensure airline safety.

The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has announced concerns that more than 40 international operators of Boeing 737 airplanes may be using problematic rudder components that could endanger flight safety. The NTSB issued urgent safety recommendations on Thursday, following a February incident involving a United Airlines flight where the rudder pedals malfunctioned during landing.

The agency revealed on Monday that similar incidents occurred in 2019 among two foreign operators, linked to defective rollout guidance actuators. NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy urged the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to address these issues promptly. The FAA has pledged to act swiftly, scheduling additional simulator testing and collaborating with affected civil aviation authorities.

This is the latest in a series of safety challenges for Boeing, which recently faced scrutiny over a new Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 incident missing key bolts. Boeing shares dipped 2.7% in the wake of the NTSB's revelations. The NTSB confirmed that no U.S. airlines are currently using the affected actuators, though foreign operators and some U.S.-registered aircraft might still have these parts installed.

(With inputs from agencies.)