DOT to review FAA’s handling of 737 Max smoke issue as Boeing develops software fix

The US Department of Transportation’s (DOT) top inspector is reviewing a controversial Federal Aviation Administration decision related to an engine issue that can cause thick smoke to quickly inundate Boeing 737 Max cockpits and cabins. Additionally, Boeing is now developing a software fix to address the concern, which involves a “Load Reduction Device” in the 737 Max’s CFM International Leap-1B turbofans. At least one airline is also now warning pilots that a similar issue can affect Airbus A320neo-family jets powered by CFM Leap-1As. “Our objective is to assess FAA’s actions in response to recent incidents of toxic smoke and fumes entering aircrafts’ cockpit or cabin when Load Reduction Devices are activated,” says a 16 April memorandum from Nelda Smith, assistant inspector general for aviation audits in the DOT’s Office of Inspector General. “We plan to conduct our audit at FAA’s offices involved in the decision-making process for the LRD issue.” The FAA in November 2024 decided against taking immediate steps to address the LRD risk, despite an FAA accident investigation panel recommending immediate action. “We welcome outside scrutiny and will fully cooperate with the audit,” says the FAA of the DOT’s review. Neither Boeing nor CFM, a GE Aerospace-Safran Aircraft Engines joint company, immediately responded to requests for comment. The Leap turbofan’s LRD is a safety device intended to prevent more-extensive damage when an engine loses a blade or suffers severe blade damage. When activated, the system decouples the fan rotor from fan supports, preventing an unbalanced fan from passing extreme loads to other components, according to a February 2024 CFM document viewed by FlightGlobal.<br/>