Boeing Investigating Rare 'Dutch Roll' on 737 Max 8 Flight

Federal Authorities Probe Unusual Lateral Movement

Safety Concerns Raised After Southwest Jet Incident

Federal authorities and Boeing are conducting a thorough investigation after a Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft experienced an unusual and potentially dangerous lateral movement known as a "Dutch roll" during a flight on May 25th. The incident, which occurred over the Pacific Ocean, has raised safety concerns and prompted a federal probe into the cause.

Dutch roll is a rapid back-and-forth rolling motion of an aircraft that can be caused by a variety of factors, including aerodynamic imbalances. It is considered a potentially dangerous maneuver, as it can destabilize the aircraft and lead to a loss of control. The flight crew of the Southwest Airlines 737 Max 8 reported experiencing the Dutch roll during a climb at approximately 10,000 feet.

The Boeing 737 Max 8 involved in the incident is less than two years old. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a post-flight inspection revealed substantial damage to the aircraft's vertical stabilizer, a critical component that helps control the plane's yawing motion. The FAA has ordered inspections of all 737 Max 8 aircraft in the United States to ensure their safety.

The investigation into the Dutch roll incident is ongoing, and it remains unclear what caused the unusual movement. Boeing has stated that it is cooperating fully with the investigation and is committed to addressing any potential safety issues.