By Gregory Wallace | CNN
Federal authorities and Boeing try to find out why a rare, unsafe rollover of a 737 Max 8 occurred during flight.
The oscillating motion is often known as a “Dutch roll” and a characteristic described by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the form of a figure eight through the nose of an aircraft.
There were no injuries on board Southwest Airlines Flight 746 on May 25, based on the airline and a preliminary report from the FAA. The report said the crew “regained control” and the plane landed safely.
However, the aircraft sustained “significant” damage and the FAA classified the incident as an “accident.” The FAA report said an inspection revealed “damage to the standby PCU” (power control unit), which controls the rudder.
It is unclear whether the damaged unit was the reason for the throw or a consequence of it.
The plane has not flown since landing in Oakland, California, following the incident, except to take it to a Boeing facility in Washington state. Boeing didn’t immediately comment to CNN.
The incident occurred nearly three weeks ago and was added to the FAA's database this week. According to the airline, there have been 175 passengers and 6 crew members on board.
CNN has contacted the NTSB, but has not said whether the incident is under investigation.
In February, the FAA required airlines flying 737 Max 8 and similar planes to envision the rudder assembly for loose or missing nuts, washers and bolts. It said the deficiency would prevent pilots from controlling the rudder with foot pedals. Authorities haven’t said whether that condition and the “Dutch roll” attack last month are related.
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