A previously undisclosed software glitch on Boeing’s 737 MAX could create serious complications during a go-around, according to a new report.
The problem emerged during a cockpit software update and may affect missed approaches by disconnecting the aircraft’s automated flight guidance system, the Wall Street Journal reported.
A missed approach, or go-around, is an uncommon but routine maneuver in which pilots abandon a landing and climb away, sometimes while using autopilot during a precision approach.
Because of the flight management computer malfunction, pilots could be forced to fly manually without certain autopilot capabilities, the report said.
Industry officials warned that the added workload could place further pressure on pilots already managing a demanding situation at low altitude, particularly when poor weather is involved.
Boeing has been under intense scrutiny since two fatal 737 MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019 killed 346 people and triggered the aircraft’s global grounding.
The aerospace giant faced renewed criticism in January 2024 after a door panel blew off an Alaska Airlines 737 9-MAX during flight. The incident was ultimately attributed to manufacturing errors.
Boeing informed operators about the malfunction in late August and said it did not present a safety risk. However, United Airlines and Southwest Airlines were among the carriers that asked Boeing to pause deliveries of new 737 MAX aircraft fitted with the affected software, according to the WSJ.
A previously undisclosed glitch on Boeing’s 737 MAX could create serious complications during a go-around, according to a new report
Boeing has faced intense scrutiny since two fatal 737 MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019 killed 346 people and led to the aircraft’s worldwide grounding. (Pictured: Workers recovering wreckage from the 2019 crash in Ethiopia)
Instead, the airlines asked Boeing to deliver aircraft equipped with earlier software versions, the outlet reported.
The number of 737 MAX aircraft currently operating with the affected software remains unknown.
Boeing said it is working to establish an accurate total and that airlines are required to notify the company when they install software upgrades, according to the report.
Cirium aviation data cited by the WSJ shows that 2,422 Boeing 737 MAX 8 and 9 aircraft are currently operating worldwide.
Alaska, American, Southwest and United Airlines all operate the aircraft, but each said none of its planes is equipped with the glitch-affected software, the report stated.
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Boeing, regulators and airlines are reviewing the issue to determine whether it poses a flight-safety concern, a company spokesperson told Our News Outlet.
‘We shared information with operators that reinforced existing pilot procedures for safely handling such cases.’
Boeing faced renewed criticism in January 2024 after a door panel blew off an Alaska Airlines 737 9-MAX during flight, an incident ultimately blamed on manufacturing errors
Boeing, regulators and airlines are reviewing the issue to determine whether it poses a flight-safety concern, a company spokesperson told Our News Outlet
‘Our engineers are working on a software update to permanently address the issue,’ they added.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) told Our News Outlet that the agency is also investigating the 737 MAX issue and is ready to take action if needed.
‘The FAA is aware of a potential issue in a software update for the flight computers on certain Boeing 737 MAX airplanes and is working closely with Boeing and the airlines.
‘The FAA will convene a Corrective Action Review Board (CARB) and will take immediate action if it identifies a safety concern,’ a spokesperson said.
The glitch was first brought to Boeing’s attention in November 2024, but it did not appear to meet the company’s standards for a safety review at the time, the outlet stated.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) told Our News Outlet that the agency is also investigating the 737 MAX issue and is ready to take action if needed
Boeing then shared the information with airlines and launched a formal safety review after feedback expressed similar concerns, according to WSJ.
More guidance on the issue is expected to be released by Boeing in November, with a permanent software fix set to be released in early 2028, per the report.
The issue could go on to affect the launch of Boeing’s newest 737 MAX models 7 and 10, industry and government officials told the publication.
Delta, United, American and Alaska Airlines have an order in for Boeing’s MAX 10 jets, the outlet reported.
