The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued an urgent safety recommendation regarding the CFM International LEAP-1B engines used in Boeing 737 MAX aircraft. This follows two incidents in 2023 where smoke entered the cabins after bird strikes, forcing emergency landings.
The NTSB's recommendation to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other aviation bodies aims to address potential engine problems that can lead to smoke inhalation, which poses significant risks to passengers and crew. The investigation found that damage to the engine oil system could allow smoke from hot oil to enter the ventilation system, especially during critical flight phases like takeoff or landing.
"It is critical to ensure that pilots who fly airplanes equipped with CFM International LEAP-1B engines are fully aware of the potential for smoke in the cockpit if the load reduction device is activated during a critical phase of flight (takeoff or landing)," stated the report.