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NTSB warns of potential engine issues in Boeing 737 MAX

NTSB warns of potential engine issues in Boeing 737 MAX
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Boeing 737 MAX | Official Website

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.

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To mitigate this issue, software modifications have been recommended by both CFM and Boeing. These changes would help minimize smoke infiltration by quickly closing pressure-regulating valves, reducing pilot workload during emergencies.

While Boeing has revised its flight manuals accordingly, informing pilots about these procedures, there is no immediate mandate from FAA for operators to implement these measures. However, they are considering new instructions as a precautionary step.

This development comes as another challenge for Boeing's 737 MAX series, following previous issues with its MCAS system. Although not directly responsible for this problem, Boeing's reputation faces further scrutiny as it works on software updates with CFM International.

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