Boeing investigated after 'Dutch roll' on 737 MAX

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating a Boeing 737 MAX flight that experienced a "Dutch roll", a dangerous oscillation that can cause loss of control. The incident occurred on a Southwest Airlines flight from Denver to Chicago on 27 August 2023. The FAA has not yet publicly confirmed the incident, but a source familiar with the matter confirmed the investigation to the BBC. The Dutch roll involved a rapid oscillation of the plane's nose and wings, which can be difficult to control and lead to a stall or spin. The cause of the Dutch roll is still under investigation, but it is possible that the plane's autopilot system may have been involved. The 737 MAX was grounded for 20 months after two fatal crashes that were linked to a faulty flight control system. The plane was re-certified in 2020 after Boeing made changes to the system. The FAA said it is "working closely with Boeing to determine the cause of the reported incident." Southwest Airlines said that the aircraft landed safely at Chicago's Midway Airport, adding that the safety of its passengers and crew "is our top priority." The incident is likely to raise concerns about the 737 MAX's safety, although it is too early to say whether the Dutch roll was caused by a technical fault. However, the event highlights the importance of thoroughly investigating any safety incidents involving the plane.

Summary

"The FAA is investigating a Dutch roll incident on a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 MAX flight, raising concerns about the plane's safety. While the cause is still unknown, the incident highlights the importance of thorough investigation and underscores the plane's history of safety issues."