Boeing warns of 737 MAX lose bolts

Boeing is asking airline carriers that fly its 737 MAX - Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines - to check for loose bolts within the rudder control system of its 737 MAX airplanes, the Federal Aviation Administration confirmed Dec. 28. 

The announcement stems from the discovery of a bolt with a missing nut during a routine inspection of “a mechanism in the rudder-control linkage,” the FAA said.  

“The company discovered an additional undelivered aircraft with a nut that was not properly tightened,” the agency added.

Carriers are being instructed to examine the “specific tie rods that control rudder movement for possible loose hardware,” according to the FAA.

Boeing estimates the inspections to take around two hours. Aircraft operators also routinely conduct tests prior to takeoff that would alert them to any issue with the rudder, Boeing added.

A representative for Boeing, in a statement shared with Nexstar, said the manufacturer will remain in contact with the FAA amid inspections.

“The issue identified on the particular airplane has been remedied,” Boeing said. “Out of an abundance of caution" Boeing is recommending operators inspect these airplanes and inform the company of findings. (WJW 12/28/23)