FAA Investigates Boeing 737 MAX 8 Dutch Roll on Southwest Airlines Flight

By Ivan PetrenkoJun 15, 2024 11:30 AMNews
Share:
Burbank airport boards straight from the tarmac
Burbank airport boards straight from the tarmac. Source: unsplash

The FAA is investigating an incident involving a Boeing 737 MAX 8 operated by Southwest Airlines, which experienced a "Dutch roll" while cruising. The aircraft, carrying 175 passengers and six crew members, safely landed in Oakland, California, with no reported injuries. The event, which took place on May 25, has prompted federal authorities to collaborate with Boeing and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to determine the cause.

The Incident

Southwest Airlines Flight 746 encountered the Dutch roll, an unusual rolling motion, during a flight from Phoenix to Oakland. The incident occurred approximately an hour after takeoff, while the aircraft was cruising at an altitude of 32,000 feet. Despite the alarming motion, the pilots managed to regain control of the aircraft, which landed safely in Oakland. The Boeing 737 MAX 8 involved is relatively new, being less than two years old.

Preliminary Findings

The preliminary report by the FAA indicated damage to a unit that provides backup power to the rudder, known as the Power Control Unit (PCU). The FAA's description noted, "Aircraft experienced a Dutch roll, regained control and post flight inspection revealed damage to the standby PCU, Oakland, Ca." This damaged PCU is believed to be the cause of the Dutch roll, leading to the investigation by federal authorities.

Understanding Dutch Roll

A Dutch roll is described as a combination of directional and lateral oscillation of an airplane, resembling the movement of a Dutch ice skater. It involves a yawing motion where the tail slides and the plane rocks from wingtip to wingtip. According to Shem Malmquist, a commercial pilot and instructor at Florida Tech, such occurrences are rare in modern airplanes due to advanced systems designed to prevent them. However, when they do occur, it is crucial for pilots to know how to respond effectively.

Impact on Boeing

This incident adds to Boeing's ongoing challenges with the 737 MAX family of jets. The aircraft was initially celebrated as a significant advancement in narrowbody airliners, but the model has faced severe scrutiny following two fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019, which claimed 346 lives. These accidents led to extensive investigations and safety concerns, resulting in federal authorities limiting the number of 737 MAX jets Boeing can produce until safety issues are resolved.

In Conclusion

The FAA's investigation into the Dutch roll incident on Southwest Airlines Flight 746 highlights the ongoing safety concerns surrounding the Boeing 737 MAX. As federal authorities and Boeing work to address these issues, the aviation industry continues to monitor developments closely to ensure the safety and reliability of air travel.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
Jet2.com aircraft taxiing on runway at airport

New Jet2.com Service Links Edinburgh with Northern Italy’s Ski Resorts

Jul 18, 2025 20:39 PM
Emirates Airbus A380 taking off under cloudy sky

Emirates Expands Dublin Route with New Flight, Offering More Travel Choices

Jul 18, 2025 18:22 PM

Rail Upgrades to Disrupt Travel Access to Key Southeast Destinations This October

Jul 18, 2025 04:45 AM

The Venice Times Hotel to Join IHG, Bringing New Stay Option to the City Centre

Jul 18, 2025 02:38 AM
KLM aircraft flying through a colorful sky

KLM Launches Winter Flights to Kittilä, Opening Access to Finnish Lapland

Jul 17, 2025 23:28 PM
Henley-on-Thames street with bunting and church

Historic Rowing Town Broadens Travel Potential Outside Summer

Jul 17, 2025 21:32 PM
Passengers seated in Terminal 5 at London Heathrow Airport

Quick Stop, Big Bill: Curbside Fees Rise at UK Airports

Jul 17, 2025 19:46 PM
Cozy bedroom interior with modern bedside lamp and decorative pillows

Niyama Private Islands Completes Renovation, Expands Travel Options in Maldives

Jul 17, 2025 17:29 PM
Batik Air Compensation for Delayed or Cancelled Flights

Batik Air Flight Delay or Cancellation Compensation

Jul 17, 2025 09:19 AM

AirAsia Opens New Direct Route Unlocking Easier Access to Northern Vietnam’s Hidden Gems

Jul 17, 2025 04:33 AM

Etihad and SKY express Open New Gateways to the Greek Islands

Jul 16, 2025 23:42 PM
Cozy modern bedroom with neutral decor and soft lighting

Kenya’s Safari Camps Modernize Facilities Amid Growing Focus on Conservation and Visitor Experience

Jul 16, 2025 21:35 PM
IndiGo aircraft taxiing at an airport in daylight

New Route Connects North England with Mumbai Without Stopovers

Jul 16, 2025 19:26 PM
Modern hotel room with soft lighting and neutral decor

Crowne Plaza Launches New Hotel Near Madinah’s Main Train Hub

Jul 16, 2025 17:41 PM
A Virgin Australia airplane taking off with landing gear extended

Virgin Australia’s One-Night Flight Offers New Way to Experience Melbourne’s Nightlife

Jul 16, 2025 16:34 PM

More Hotel Choices Ahead as Scandic Expands into Ireland and the UK

Jul 15, 2025 22:21 PM

Etihad Opens New Direct Flights to Uncover Hidden Gems Across Eurasia

Jul 15, 2025 20:37 PM
Modern hotel room with two beds and warm lighting

Anantara Karuizawa Retreat Hotel to Open in 2030 as New Base for Tokyo Getaways

Jul 15, 2025 17:46 PM
Delta airplane in flight against clear sky

Delta Enhances Inflight Dining and Meal Options for Summer Travelers

Jul 15, 2025 11:23 AM
Modern hotel room with bed, desk and en-suite bathroom

Ponce to Gain New Spark by Hilton Hotel Near Local Hotspots

Jul 15, 2025 08:39 AM
Air Canada aircraft taxiing at the airport

From Toronto to Tirana: Air Canada and ITA Airways Expand Travel Routes

Jul 14, 2025 23:47 PM
A Stagecoach double-decker bus stops on a city street in front of a historic brick building

Summer Bus Cuts in Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire Challenge Access to Outdoor Destinations

Jul 14, 2025 22:31 PM

Alpine Town in Switzerland Combines Ski Season with Lake Sports

Jul 14, 2025 21:25 PM

Cancellations and Disruptions: Southend Airport Closed Following Aircraft Incident

Jul 14, 2025 18:48 PM
Modern hotel bedroom with neutral tones and ambient lighting

New Hotel Near Dublin Offers Quiet Alternative for Exploring Ireland's Heartland

Jul 14, 2025 17:32 PM
View of Helsinki Airport terminal with passengers silhouetted against large windows

Finland’s Airports to Operate Normally During Peak July Travel After Strike Threat Lifted

Jul 13, 2025 21:28 PM