Investigation of the “Dutch Roll” incident on Southwest Airlines’ Boeing 737 Max 8

Federal authorities and Boeing are investigating a rare incident in which a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 Max 8 performed a “Dutch roll” on May 25 during flight WN746 from Phoenix to Oakland.

The plane rocked back and forth, with the nose forming a figure of eight. The 175 passengers and six crew members were uninjured and the crew was able to land the plane safely in Oakland. However, the plane sustained significant damage, particularly to the emergency power control unit (PCU), which controls the rudder.

The FAA and NTSB are investigating the cause of the incident and analyzing flight data recorder data, but the voice recordings were overwritten. The plane has not flown since the incident, except for a ferry flight on June 6 to a Boeing facility in Everett, Washington.

The FAA had previously ordered inspections of the rudder assembly on some 737 Max 8s to check for possible defects, but it is unclear if this incident is related. “Dutch roll” incidents are rare, but pilots are trained to handle such situations by slowing the plane and descending into a denser layer of air. The incident highlights the need for thorough investigations and inspections to ensure the safety and reliability of the Boeing 737 Max 8.