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, where the pedals were initially "stuck" for about 30 seconds before regaining normal function.
The NTSB's preliminary report attributes the malfunction to a disabled "rollout guidance servo" that, despite being inactive, became restricted due to cold temperatures.
Lab tests confirmed that cold-soaking the removed servo significantly increased the torque required to move its output crank arm, which is mechanically linked to the rudder pedals.
The issue was resolved by replacing implicated components, after which the aircraft's rudder control system operated normally and it returned to service.

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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.