The new safety alert over frozen rudders affects multiple models of Boeing 737 airframes, including the 737-NG and 737-MAX

The Federal Aviation Administration has a new safety alert for airlines operating multiple generations of the Boeing 737: Frozen moisture could lead to jammed or restricted rudders.

The agency issued the alert on October 7, 2024, potentially affecting the 737-600, 737NG, and 737-MAX models.

Issue Related to Rudders Built by Collins Aerospace

The Safety Alert for Operators was issued as the result of a Boeing 737-8 flight “where the flightcrew was unable to move the rudder pedals during landing rollout.” The FAA didn’t say which date the issue took place, or which airline was operating the aircraft.

The rudder issue was traced down to an assembly by Collins Aerospace, where a preliminary investigation determined “the jammed or restricted rudder was a result of moisture that had previously entered the actuator and froze during flight.” Investigators warn that similarly configured aircraft could also experience the same situation.

Pilots who find themselves with a frozen rudder are instructed to use their training and checklists to determine the best way to land their aircraft. Under the recommended actions, the FAA does not suggest new maintenance or equipment changes as part of mitigating the issues.

This is the latest issue in a long line of problems experienced by the latest generation of the Boeing 737 narrowbody jet, especially in 2024. The year began poorly for the embattled aircraft after a door plug aboard an Alaska Airlines flight blew out midair, forcing an emergency landing. The fallout from the incident and other issues – including some airlines reconsidering the 737 MAX as part of their fleets – led to the resignation of chief executive Dave Calhoun.

Feature image courtesy: Paul Thompson via Flickr