Southwest Airlines Plane Investigated After Experiencing Rare 'Dutch Roll'
Federal Probe Launched into Substantial Damage
What Happened?
A Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 Max 8 experienced a substantial damage after encountering a rare "Dutch roll" during a flight from Phoenix to Oakland on May 25. The incident, which is under investigation by federal authorities, occurred approximately an hour after takeoff.
What is a Dutch Roll?
A Dutch roll is an unusual motion that occurs when an aircraft's wings alternately roll back and forth while the plane also yaws from side to side. It is caused by a lack of stability in the aircraft's design and can be dangerous if not corrected quickly.
Investigation Underway
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Boeing are investigating the incident to determine the cause of the Dutch roll and the extent of the damage to the aircraft. The plane, which was carrying 149 passengers and five crew members, landed safely in Oakland, but it was taken out of service for repairs.
Past Incidents
This incident is the latest in a series of problems involving the Boeing 737 Max 8. In 2018 and 2019, two fatal crashes involving the aircraft led to the grounding of the entire 737 Max fleet worldwide. The planes were eventually cleared to fly again in 2020 after software updates were made.
Safety Concerns
The Dutch roll incident has raised new concerns about the safety of the Boeing 737 Max 8. The FAA is reviewing the incident and will make any necessary changes to regulations or safety procedures.
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