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‘Dutch Roll’ Incident Prompts FAA/NTSB Investigation

Pilots managed to regain control of the aircraft and land safely.

Southwest Boeing 737s at Paine Field. [Credit: AirlineGeeks | Katie Bailey]
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Key Takeaways:

  • A Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 Max 8 experienced a "Dutch roll" at 32,000 feet on May 25, a rare phenomenon where the aircraft rolls and yaws simultaneously.
  • Pilots successfully landed the plane, but the aircraft sustained substantial damage to its standby power control unit.
  • The FAA and NTSB are investigating the incident with Boeing and Southwest Airlines, with a preliminary report expected within 30 days.
  • This "Dutch roll" incident marks another setback for Boeing, which is already under intense scrutiny following recent safety issues.
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The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating yet another alarming incident in which a Boeing 737 Max 8 experienced a “Dutch roll” at roughly 32,000 feet —a rare phenomenon when the aircraft rolls in one direction and yaws in the other. 

The incident occurred May 25 during a Southwest Airlines flight from Phoenix to Oakland, California. Pilots managed to regain control of the aircraft and land safely, although the aircraft sustained substantial damage to the standby power control unit (PCU), according to a report.  

Amelia Walsh

Amelia Walsh is a private pilot who enjoys flying her family’s Columbia 350. She is based in Colorado and loves all things outdoors including skiing, hiking, and camping.

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