FAA, NTSB investigate Southwest Airlines 'Dutch roll' incident
What was the role of the standby power control unit (PCU) in the incident, and what damage did it sustain?
The standby power control unit (PCU) plays a crucial role in the aircraft's rudder system, serving as a backup in case the main rudder power unit becomes inoperable6. In the Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 Max incident, the aircraft experienced a Dutch roll, an unusual maneuver involving simultaneous yaw (side-to-side motion) and roll (see-saw motion). As a result of this maneuver, the plane sustained "substantial" damage to its tail section, specifically to the rudder's standby power control unit (PCU). The damage was only discovered during a post-flight inspection, and the aircraft was sent back to Boeing for further assessment and repair.
How did the Dutch roll maneuver occur during Flight 746, and what were the flight's origin and destination?
The Dutch roll maneuver occurred during Southwest Flight 746, which was en route from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport. The aircraft, a Boeing 737 MAX 8, experienced the Dutch roll during the flight, resulting in "substantial" damage to its tail section. The damage was only discovered during a post-flight inspection, which revealed that the rudder's standby power control unit (PCU) had been damaged. Despite the damage, the aircraft was able to complete the flight without any injuries being reported. The FAA is working with the NTSB and Boeing to investigate the incident.
What specific damage did the Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 Max sustain during the Dutch roll incident?
During the Dutch roll incident, the Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 Max sustained substantial damage to its tail section. Specifically, the rudder's standby power control unit (PCU) was damaged. The standby PCU is a backup system in case the main rudder power unit becomes inoperable. The damage was only discovered during a post-flight inspection.