Boeing has discovered a previously undisclosed software problem affecting its 737 MAX aircraft that could cause an automated navigation function to stop working during a specific landing scenario.
The issue has prompted the US Federal Aviation Administration to begin a review, while Boeing works on a permanent software fix.
Software Glitch Can Occur After A Missed Approach
The problem is linked to a cockpit software update and can occur when pilots change their planned flight path after a missed approach.
In certain circumstances, the aircraft may lose access to automated flight guidance during the subsequent landing.
This could require pilots to operate the aircraft manually, potentially increasing their workload during a critical phase of flight.
Boeing Says Pilots Can Handle The Situation
Boeing said it informed 737 operators about the issue in August and reinforced existing procedures that pilots can use to safely handle the situation.
The company said its engineers are working on a software update that will permanently address the problem.
Boeing had previously determined that the issue did not pose a safety risk, although the company has now started working on a permanent solution following further feedback and review.
FAA Launches Review
The Federal Aviation Administration is aware of the potential problem and is working with Boeing and airlines to assess its implications.
The FAA said it will convene a Corrective Action Review Board and will take immediate action if it identifies a safety concern.
The number of 737 MAX aircraft currently operating with the affected software has not yet been established.
Airlines Ask Boeing For Earlier Software
Southwest Airlines and United Airlines have reportedly asked Boeing not to deliver new 737 MAX aircraft equipped with the affected software.
The airlines have instead requested aircraft using an earlier version of the software.
However, airlines currently operating 737 MAX aircraft have indicated that their existing aircraft do not have the affected software installed.
Problem Dates Back To 2024
The software issue was reportedly identified by Boeing in November 2024.
The company initially concluded that it did not meet the criteria for a formal safety review. After receiving additional feedback from airlines, Boeing began a more detailed review and shared its findings with the FAA.
The company is now accelerating work on a permanent software solution.
Could Affect Future 737 MAX Models
The software issue could have implications beyond aircraft already in service.
The development could potentially affect certification of the 737 MAX 10 and the planned introduction of the MAX 7 if the software problem needs to be resolved before those aircraft can progress through their respective certification processes.
Another Challenge For The 737 MAX
The latest software problem comes as Boeing continues efforts to restore confidence in the 737 MAX family following years of intense regulatory scrutiny.
Two fatal 737 MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019 resulted in a worldwide grounding of the aircraft, while the 2024 Alaska Airlines MAX 9 door-plug incident led to further scrutiny of Boeing’s manufacturing and safety practices.
The latest issue is different from those incidents and Boeing says existing pilot procedures can address the specific navigation problem.
Permanent Fix Still Being Developed
For passengers, the discovery does not currently mean that 737 MAX aircraft have been grounded.
Boeing, airlines and regulators are assessing how many aircraft are affected and whether additional action is required.
The immediate focus is on developing and deploying a software update that eliminates the navigation issue permanently.
Summary
Boeing has identified a software glitch on some 737 MAX aircraft that could disable an automated navigation function during a specific landing scenario after a missed approach. Boeing has informed operators and is developing a permanent fix. The FAA is reviewing the issue, while Southwest and United have asked Boeing to avoid delivering new aircraft with the affected software until the problem is resolved.
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