A Boeing 737 sustained tail damage in midair last month in an incident that aviation experts say is rare for commercial flights. On May 25, Southwest Airlines Flight N8825Q, a Boeing Max experienced what is known as a “Dutch roll” — where the aircraft tail wags back and forth as the wings rock in see-saw fashion, according to . This was another in a string of recent incidents involving Boeing planes that began in January when a of a 737 jet.
Since that time, Boeing’s production process has come under investigation. The Phoenix to Oakland flight had 175 passengers and six members of the crew aboard. The plane was initially reported to be at 38,000 feet at the time of the incident, but a National Transportation Safety Board investigation showed it was at 34,000 feet.
The plane landed safely with no injuries reported. An said the aircraft “experienced a Dutch roll, regained control and post flight inspection revealed the damage to the standby PCU,” referring to the rudder’s power control unit. The FAA later noted that damage to the tail was “substantial,” according to .
“Having a Dutch roll event is unusual,” John Cox, an instructor at the University of Southern California and CEO of the consulting firm Safety Operating Systems, told . “Having one that caused damage is unheard of,” he said. aviation analyst Robert Sumwalt called the incident “significant.
” “Any uncommanded flight control movement is potentially significant. The fact that this resu.
