NTSB Issues Urgent Safety Recommendation Due to Smoke Risk in Cabin of Aircraft with LEAP-1B Engines

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21 hours ago

The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued an urgent safety recommendation to address the risk of smoke entering the cabin of aircraft equipped with CFM International’s LEAP-1B engines.

These engines, used in Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A320neo aircraft, pose a potential hazard related to the engine load reduction device (LRD). This component, designed to mitigate vibrations following engine damage, can compromise the oil system, allowing smoke from hot oil to enter the ventilation system and reach the passenger cabin or cockpit.

The Incident That Raised Alarms: Southwest Flight from New Orleans

The NTSB’s investigation was prompted by an incident in December 2023, when a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-8 experienced a bird strike in the left engine shortly after takeoff from New Orleans, Louisiana. As a result, white, acrid smoke began filling the cockpit, reducing the captain’s visibility to the point where reading instruments became difficult.

The crew activated their oxygen masks, managed to clear the smoke, and returned safely to the departure airport with no injuries. This event demonstrated how LRD activation could compromise flight safety, even in situations that initially appear under control.

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Another Similar Case in Cuba

A second similar incident occurred in March 2023, also involving a Southwest Airlines flight. In this case, a bird strike in the right engine after takeoff from Havana caused fog to appear in the passenger cabin. The crew declared an emergency and returned without further incident.

Immediate Actions Requested by the NTSB

Concerned that flight crews may not be fully aware of the smoke risk associated with LRD activation, the NTSB has requested that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ensure airlines clearly inform their pilots about this potential hazard.

Boeing has already updated flight manuals to include detailed instructions to help prevent smoke ingress in the event of LRD activation.

Global Evaluation and Software Modifications

In addition to the FAA, the NTSB has issued safety recommendations to the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Civil Aviation Administration of China. The goal is to determine whether the LEAP-1A and LEAP-1C variants pose the same risk as the -1B version.

Furthermore, the NTSB has requested that both the FAA and EASA require all operators of affected aircraft to implement software modifications developed by CFM and Boeing to minimize this risk.

The NTSB’s urgent call underscores the importance of anticipating critical situations that could endanger the safety of passengers and crew. Implementing corrective measures and disseminating updated procedures could make a difference in future flights.