FAA investigating substantial damage to Boeing 737 Max in ‘Dutch roll’ incident

A federal investigation is underway into how a Southwest Airlines passenger jet suffered substantial damage after experiencing a rare phenomenon known as a Dutch roll at almost 38,000 feet. Flight N8825Q, a Boeing 737 Max carrying 175 passengers and six crew, was traveling from Phoenix to Oakland on May 25 when its tail began to yaw or wag left and right while the aircraft’s wings rocked side to side. Dutch roll is the name given to this potentially dangerous lateral asymmetric movement, supposedly inspired by the movements of ice skaters. The FAA said in a statement Thursday that it was working with Boeing and the National Transportation Safety Board to investigate the cause of the fault. Boeing declined to comment. A preliminary report from the FAA said the aircraft “experienced a Dutch roll, regained control and post flight inspection revealed the damage to the standby PCU,” referring to the power-control unit. The plane managed to land safely in Oakland and no injuries were reported. Federal aviation regulations state that a Dutch roll that happens below the allowed speed “must be positively damped with controls free, and must be controllable with normal use of the primary controls without requiring exceptional pilot skill.” In most cases an aircraft’s yaw dampener should correct the lateral movement. <br/>