Hey everyone, Dave Rohee here from Aviation Hotshot. Today, we need to talk about something serious – the recent engine incidents involving Boeing’s 737 MAX jets. Last year, Southwest Airlines faced not one, but two alarming situations where 737 MAX jets lost engines during takeoff after striking large birds.

 

These emergencies became even more critical when smoke and fumes infiltrated the aircraft. Thanks to the quick thinking and professionalism of the flight crews, they executed emergency landings back at their departure airports, preventing what could have been major disasters.

A Double Whammy for Southwest

Let’s start with the details. On March 5, 2023, Southwest Flight 3923 took off from Havana, heading to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Suddenly, the right engine – a new 737 MAX 8, barely three months old – collided with multiple birds and sustained severe damage. The engine, which supplies air to the passenger cabin, failed and thick smoke began to pour inside.

The crew dropped the oxygen masks and chaos erupted. Can you imagine the panic? But the pilots kept their cool, turned the plane around, and landed safely back in Havana. Passengers evacuated via emergency slides and later continued their journey on a different aircraft. Kudos to those pilots for keeping everyone safe!

 

A few months earlier, on December 20, another Southwest flight (Flight 554) from New Orleans to Tampa had a similar incident. This time, the left engine struck a large bird shortly after takeoff. The aircraft, another MAX 8 almost a year old, reported smoke entering the cockpit.

 

Despite the challenging conditions, the pilots declared an emergency and safely landed back in New Orleans. The smoke was so thick that one could hear the tension in the pilot’s voice over the radio, muffled by the oxygen mask. I can’t stress enough how crucial it is for pilots to remain calm and follow procedures in such situations.

Boeing’s Response and Pilot Concerns

Following these incidents, Boeing sent an alert to airlines in February to make sure pilots know the correct emergency procedures to stop smoke and fumes from entering the cabin. Southwest, American, Alaska, and United Airlines took immediate action by reviewing pilot training and updating guidelines.

 

But here’s where it gets interesting – Boeing’s alert mentioned a system on the MAX’s LEAP engine that pilots weren’t aware of, causing some concern.

 

This system, a fail-safe feature developed by engine-maker CFM International, worked as designed to prevent further engine damage. However, the fact that this system wasn’t included in pilot manuals raised some eyebrows. Southwest plans to update its flight manual with information about the system, but it hasn’t happened yet.

Two Close Calls

The smoke penetration in both incidents was traced back to damage to the engine oil sump caused by bird strikes. This led to oil leaking into the engine’s hot core and burning, funneling smoke into the aircraft’s interior. The correct response involves a specific checklist for engine fire or severe damage, which includes shutting down the engine and pulling a fire handle to cut off the air supply.

 

Boeing’s bulletin clarified the procedure: “The presence of smoke in the flight deck or cabin associated with an engine failure should be considered engine severe damage.” This added emphasis ensures pilots prioritize the correct steps in such emergencies.

The New Engine Safety Feature

The LEAP engine on the MAX includes a load reduction device (LRD), a safety feature designed to disconnect the fan from the engine core in the event of severe damage, like a bird strike. This feature reduces vibrations and potential further damage.

 

While the LRD is detailed in maintenance manuals, pilots were not previously informed about it. Imagine flying an aircraft and finding out about a critical system after an incident – not the best way to build trust.

Ongoing Concerns

Pilots at Southwest and American Airlines have expressed frustration over the lack of information regarding the LRD system. They argue that knowing about all systems within the aircraft is crucial for handling emergencies effectively. Boeing and the FAA have stated that the LRD does not change handling procedures and activates automatically, which is why it was not included in pilot manuals.

 

Despite reassurances, the Southwest Airlines Pilots Union (SWAPA) and the Allied Pilots Association (APA) at American Airlines are seeking more information. They want clarity on how the LRD impacts engine indications during failures and why the engine oil sump failed in these incidents.

Looking Ahead

As Boeing and CFM continue to investigate these incidents and gather more information, they are keeping the FAA and airlines informed. The FAA has stated it will determine if further action is necessary as the investigation progresses. For now, pilots are left with lingering questions about this new safety feature and its implications for their procedures.

 

For future updates and more insights into the aviation world, stay tuned to my blog. If you have any questions or need further information, feel free to contact me at info@aviationhotshot.com. Stay safe and keep flying!

 

Dave Rohee, Aviation Enthusiast and Blogger