FAA reviews Boeing 737 MAX engines after bird strike incidents

CFM International also expressed collaboration efforts with relevant authorities. “We are collaborating with FAA, EASA and Boeing to determine if there are any learnings from recent events,” said a CFM International spokesperson.

The Seattle Times reported that two bird strikes involving Southwest Airlines flights in 2023 prompted the FAA's review. In March 2023, a Southwest Airlines aircraft returned to Havana José Martí International Airport following a bird strike. Another incident occurred in December 2023 when a Southwest Airlines flight returned to New Orleans after ingesting a bird during ascent.

AviationWeek noted that bird strikes could lead to oil ingestion into the conditioning system of LEAP-1B engines, potentially causing fume events in cockpits or cabins. The FAA is considering procedural changes for responding to such events.

Reuters mentioned that changes might involve revisions to airplane flight manuals (AFM), allowing continued operation without significant disruption but possibly leading to mandatory hardware changes later on.

In August 2023, the FAA revised the 737 MAX’s AFM due to concerns about engine anti-ice (EAI) usage under certain conditions potentially overheating parts beyond design limits. This led Boeing to work on modifications addressing these issues while delaying certification for new models like the 737 MAX 7 and MAX 10.

Boeing withdrew its exemption request for modifications after facing pressure following incidents like Alaska Airlines' door plug blowout.