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US states 40 foreign operators might be using Boeing 737s with suspect rudder control parts

The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board on Monday stated more than 40 foreign operators of Boeing 737 aircrafts might be using airplanes with rudder elements that might present safety dangers.

The NTSB recently provided immediate security recommendations about the potential for a jammed rudder control system on some Boeing 737 aircrafts after a February occurrence including a United Airlines flight.

The NTSB likewise disclosed Monday that it has discovered two foreign operators suffered comparable occurrences in 2019 involving rollout assistance actuators. We are worried of the possibility that other airlines are unaware of the existence of these actuators on their 737 planes, NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy stated Monday in a letter to FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker.

The NTSB is examining an occurrence in which the rudder pedals on a United Boeing 737 MAX 8 were stuck in the neutral position during a landing at Newark. There were no injuries to the 161 passengers and team.

Boeing shares fell 2.7% on Monday.

The NTSB said 271 impact parts might be set up on airplane in service run by at least 40 foreign air providers and 16 might still be set up on U.S.-registered airplane and as much as 75 might have been used in aftermarket installation.

Homendy stated she was concerned the FAA did not take this problem more seriously until we issued our urgent safety suggestion report.

The FAA said it was taking the NTSB suggestions seriously and arranged to do extra simulator screening in October.

An FAA restorative action review board satisfied Friday and the company stated it is moving quickly to convene a call with the affected civil air travel authorities to ensure they have the details they require from the FAA including any advised actions.

United said recently the rudder control parts at problem were in use in just nine of its 737 aircraft initially built for other airline companies; the elements were all removed previously this year.

The NTSB stated Thursday are no 737s on U.S. airlines operating with the affected actuators, which were installed in some 737 MAX and prior-generation 737 NG airplanes that consisted of an optional landing system.

Boeing stated in August it informed affected 737 operators of a potential condition with the rudder rollout assistance actuator. It did not instantly talk about Monday.

(source: Reuters)