NTSB gives important alert for Boeing 737 Max engines due to bird strikes

NTSB Issues Emergency Safety Advisory for Boeing 737 Engines

On Wednesday, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released an emergency safety advisory concerning the engines of Boeing’s largest 737 model. This measure aims to prevent smoke from infiltrating the cockpit and cabin in certain situations.

This advisory follows two incidents, including one involving a Southwest Airlines flight with a CFM International Leap-1B engine that encountered a bird strike earlier this year. The NTSB noted that these CFM engines have a safety feature known as load reduction devices, but if triggered after a bird impact, they can unintentionally harm the oil system. This damage can lead to smoke forming in the engine, which may then enter the cockpit or cabin from the ventilation system.

A noteworthy episode occurred in December 2023 when a Southwest Airlines plane hit a bird during takeoff from New Orleans. “Acrid white smoke” filled the cockpit, obscuring the instrument panel, and forcing an expedited landing.

Interestingly, about nine months prior, another Southwest flight faced a similar issue. After ingesting a bird shortly after departure from Havana, Cuba, smoke filled the cabin, yet fortunately, both flights landed safely, and no passengers or crew were harmed.

The NTSB has also suggested examining whether the CFM’s LEAP-1A and LEAP-1C engines, which are utilized in some Airbus A320neo aircraft and by China’s Commercial Aircraft Corporation in C919 jets, might encounter the same issues.

CFM is a joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran aircraft engines. The NTSB’s recommendations were acknowledged by both the Federal Aviation Administration and Boeing, who have stated they have already alerted airlines and pilots regarding the identified concerns.

The FAA emphasized the importance of evaluating operational procedures and crew training in light of the potential risks. They indicated that if the engine manufacturers implement permanent solutions, operators would need to adopt these changes within the designated timeline.