Share this @internewscast.com

An investigation is underway into a Boeing-manufactured United Airlines plane that experienced “stuck” rudder pedals during a landing rollout last month.

Flight 1539, which had flown from Nassau, Bahamas, experienced the mishap after touching down at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey on Feb. 6, according to a National Transportation Safety Board preliminary report released Thursday.

The captain of the Boeing 737-8 aircraft reported that during the landing rollout, which occurs after touchdown and before the plane slows to taxi speed, the rudder pedals did not respond to the application of foot pressure while attempting to “maintain the runway centerline,” the report said.

Instead, the pedals were “stuck” in their neutral position. 

“The captain used the nose wheel steering tiller to keep the airplane near the runway centerline while slowing to a safe taxi speed before exiting the runway onto a high-speed turn-off,” the report said.

During the high-speed turnoff, the captain asked the first officer to check his rudder pedals and he reported the same issue. Shortly after that, the rudder pedals began to operate normally, the report said.

The aircraft, carrying 155 passengers and 6 crew members, was able to park safely. No one was injured.

The flight crew then notified United Airlines maintenance of the flight control malfunction and the plane was removed from service for maintenance and troubleshooting. 

A review of the flight’s data recorder data corroborated the pilot’s account of what happened, and showed that the rudder surface position remained near its neutral position during the landing and rollout, even though the force inputs to the rudder pedals were increasing, the report said.

The data showed that about 30 seconds after touchdown, a “significant pedal force input was observed along with corresponding rudder surface movement. Afterward, the rudder pedals and rudder surface began moving as commanded and continued to function normally for the remainder of the taxi.” 

Three days later on Feb. 9, United conducted a test flight on the event airplane at Newark, and “was able to duplicate the reported rudder system malfunction.”

The NTSB was notified about the flight control issue after the flight test and an incident investigation was opened with the involvement of the Federal Aviation Administration, Boeing and Collins Aerospace. 

A post-incident inspection of the rudder control system “found no obvious malfunctions with the system.” When some rudder system components were removed, United conducted a second test flight and found that the rudder control system operated normally. 

NBC News has reached out to Boeing and United Airlines for comment. The investigation is ongoing. 

This marks yet another issue with Boeing’s already highly-scrutinized Max program after a Boeing-made Alaska Airlines plane door panel blew out midair over Portland, Oregon, on Jan. 5.

A preliminary investigation by the NTSB found that bolts had not been installed on that door plug.

The incident prompted the FAA to temporarily ground all Boeing 737 Max 9 airplanes operating in the U.S. and subsequently increase oversight over Boeing aircraft production.

On Monday, a Boeing 737-900 plane flown by United Airlines from Texas to Florida made an emergency landing after bright orange flames were seen shooting out of the plane’s engine. 

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Fernandina Beach rejects ban on downtown paid parking

Fernandina Beach Decides Against Prohibiting Paid Parking Downtown

As discussions continue around the paid parking plan, the commissioners have decided…
National Guard Chicago news: Judge to consider extension of order temporarily blocking National Guard in Chicago area

Judge to Decide Fate of National Guard Deployment in Chicago: Temporary Block Extension Under Review

The unfolding story in Chicago has taken a significant turn, as a…
'NYU Communists' vow to fight capitalism with Marxist revolution at 'No Kings' rally

NYU Student Group Advocates for Marxist Change at ‘No Kings’ Rally to Challenge Capitalism

EXCLUSIVE TO FOX: Over the weekend, a group believed to be students…
Former NFL player who died in police custody battled injuries and mental health challenges

Ex-NFL Star’s Tragic End Highlights Struggles with Injuries and Mental Health

Nearly two decades ago, Doug Martin made his way to Boise State…
Florida mother accused of killing her son, sheriff says

Florida Mother Charged in Tragic Death of Her Son, Authorities Report

LAND O’LAKES, Fla. (WFLA) — In a tragic turn of events, the…
Jack Nicklaus wins $50 million in defamation suit vs. ex-business partners

Golf Legend Jack Nicklaus Triumphs in $50 Million Defamation Case Against Former Partners

Miami — Legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus has emerged victorious in a defamation…
At Least 135 Mutilated Palestinian Bodies Traced to Israeli Prison Accused of Torture

135 Palestinian Bodies Found: Investigation Launched into Alleged Israeli Prison Abuses

In a disturbing development, Gaza health authorities report that 135 bodies of…
'Dancing with the Stars' week 6: Popular couple sent home on 'Wicked Night,' celebrating music from movies

Wicked Night’ Shocker: Fan-Favorite Couple Eliminated on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Movie Music Week

LOS ANGELES — On “Dancing with the Stars,” the night was enchanted…
One of the world's rarest whales that makes the Atlantic its home grows in population

Atlantic’s Rare Right Whale Population Sees Promising Growth: A Conservation Success

PORTLAND, Maine — In an optimistic turn for marine conservation, one of…
Immigration agents conducting sweep on NYC's famed Canal Street confronted by protesters

Immigration Agents Met with Protests During Canal Street Operation in NYC

NEW YORK (AP) — A planned immigration enforcement operation on Manhattan’s well-known…
Chess grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky is remembered as a leader in the game's online surge

Chess Grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky Celebrated as a Pioneer in the Online Chess Renaissance

Daniel Naroditsky, a prominent figure in competitive chess who rose to fame…
Car rams into White House barricade, suspect arrested: officials

Breaking News: Security Breach at White House as Vehicle Crashes into Barricade – Suspect in Custody

On Tuesday night, authorities apprehended a suspect following an incident where a…