NTSB Investigates Boeing Rudder Malfunction Incident in Newark

The NTSB has released its findings after an apparent rudder pedal malfunctioned on a Boeing 737-8 in February at Newark Liberty International Airport.

Meg Godlewski

Friday, March 08, 2024 at 02:21 PM ET

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Key Takeaways:

A Boeing 737-8 experienced a temporary rudder pedal malfunction upon landing at Newark, with the pedals becoming "stuck" before eventually returning to normal operation.
The NTSB's preliminary investigation indicates that a rollout guidance servo, though disabled, became significantly stiff when cold-soaked, mechanically restricting rudder pedal movement.
After removing and replacing the suspect servo and related components, United Airlines conducted a test flight confirming the rudder control system now operates normally.

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The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released the preliminary report into the investigation of an apparent rudder pedal malfunction on a Boeing 737-8 in February at Newark Liberty International Airport (KEWR).

As the rudders are a flight control system, federal regulations require the NTSB be notified in the event of a malfunction. According to the report, the servo that activates the rudders may have been adversely impacted by the cold.