Boeing warned airlines about possible malfunction of its aircraft
Boeing is warning Southwest Airlines, American Airlines and other major carriers about a "possible loose bolt in the rudder control system" in its 737 Max jets.
Southwest, American, United Airlines and Alaska Airlines have confirmed that inspections will be conducted on the 737 Max aircraft they fly. Boeing's warning comes after an international operator discovered a bolt with a missing nut while performing routine maintenance on a mechanism in the jet's rudder. The company also found an undelivered aircraft with a nut that was not tightened, the Dallas News reports.
"The issue identified on the specific aircraft has been fixed," Boeing said in a statement. "As a precaution, we encourage operators to inspect their 737 Max aircraft and report any findings to us."
Boeing has also alerted the Federal Aviation Administration, the nation's aviation safety regulatory agency.
Southwest is one of the largest users of the 737 Max. According to its most recent quarterly report, the Dallas-based carrier had 206 Max aircraft out of a fleet of 817. The company recently ordered an additional 108 Max aircraft from Boeing.
