The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has recently issued a critical safety recommendation aimed at modifying the jet engines of Boeing's 737 Max aircraft. The purpose is to prevent smoke from entering the cockpit or passenger cabin under specific circumstances. This recommendation stems from two incidents involving Southwest Airlines planes that experienced bird strikes in 2023. The NTSB identified a safety feature in these engines, known as a load reduction device, which inadvertently damages the oil system after activation following a bird strike. This damage leads to smoke formation from hot oil released into the engine and subsequently entering the ventilation system.

In one incident in December 2023, a Southwest Airlines plane struck a bird while taking off from New Orleans, leading to acrid white smoke filling the cockpit so thickly that it obscured visibility for the captain. Similarly, another incident occurred nine months earlier on a flight departing Havana, Cuba, where birds were ingested into an engine shortly after takeoff, resulting in smoke filling the cabin. Both flights landed safely without any injuries. Additionally, the NTSB recommended evaluating similar risks with CFM’s LEAP-1A and LEAP-1C engines used on Airbus A320neo planes and C919 jets. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Boeing have acknowledged the recommendations and are working on addressing the issue.

Engine Safety Concerns Identified by NTSB

The NTSB highlighted significant safety concerns regarding the CFM International LEAP-1B engines used in Boeing's 737 Max airplanes. Following two separate bird strike incidents involving Southwest Airlines planes, investigations revealed that the engines' load reduction devices could inadvertently damage the oil system upon activation post-bird strike. This malfunction results in the release of hot oil into the engine, generating smoke that infiltrates the ventilation system and ultimately reaches the cockpit or passenger cabin.

One such incident took place in December 2023 when a Southwest Airlines plane encountered a bird during takeoff from New Orleans. The ensuing smoke filled the cockpit so densely that it hindered the captain's ability to see the instrument panel, necessitating an immediate landing. Another comparable event occurred nine months earlier on a different Southwest flight originating from Havana, Cuba. In this case, birds ingested into an engine shortly after takeoff led to smoke permeating the cabin. Despite these alarming situations, both flights managed to land safely without causing harm to anyone aboard. These incidents underscored the urgent need for modifications to mitigate potential hazards associated with the engine design.

Collaborative Efforts to Address Safety Issues

In response to the NTSB's recommendations, collaborative efforts are underway among various stakeholders to address the identified safety issues. The NTSB not only focused on the Boeing 737 Max but also extended its evaluation to include CFM’s LEAP-1A and LEAP-1C engines utilized in some Airbus A320neo planes and C919 jets manufactured by the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China. Owned by GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines, CFM is actively collaborating with Boeing on developing a software design update to resolve the problem.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Boeing have affirmed their agreement with the NTSB's recommendations and have already alerted airlines and pilots about the issue. The FAA emphasized advising operators to reassess their procedures and crew training to ensure they effectively address this potential hazard. Furthermore, once the engine manufacturer devises a permanent solution, the FAA will mandate operators to implement it within a reasonable timeframe. This coordinated approach aims to enhance overall aviation safety, ensuring that necessary modifications and training programs are promptly established to safeguard passengers and crew members alike. Through these comprehensive measures, the aviation industry strives to maintain high standards of security and reliability in air travel.