Boeing MAX plane near-disaster triggers new federal investigation

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating a harrowing incident involving a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 Max 8 that reportedly fell a few hundred feet into the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Hawaii in April, the agency confirmed via email has News week SATURDAY.

Southwest Flight 2786, en route from Honolulu to Lihue on April 11, encountered adverse weather conditions near Kauai, forcing the pilots to abandon their initial landing attempt. Shortly after, the plane experienced a rapid descent toward the ocean, according to air traffic control audio reviewed by CBS News. The flight crew was able to regain control and return safely to Honolulu.

A memo distributed by Southwest to its pilots last week, obtained by Bloomberg News, revealed that the plane came within 400 feet of the ocean surface. The plane reportedly plunged at speeds in excess of 4,000 feet per minute before the pilots managed to get back up, averting a potential disaster. No passengers or crew members were reported injured during the ordeal.

Southwest Airlines addressed the incident in a statement to News week Saturday via email, emphasizing its commitment to safety. “Nothing is more important to Southwest than safety. With our robust safety management system, the event was handled appropriately as we always strive for continuous improvement,” the airline said .

This incident follows another episode involving a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 Max 8. Federal authorities said Thursday they are investigating an unusual rolling motion felt by a May 25 flight from Phoenix to Oakland, Calif., likely caused by a faulty backup. power control unit.

The FAA, along with Boeing and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), is investigating the incident. Southwest, for its part, has pledged to cooperate with the investigation.

Information updated Friday from the NTSB indicated the plane entered a “Dutch roll” while cruising at approximately 34,000 feet. This phenomenon, named after the rocking motion of a Dutch skater, involves the plane's tail sliding and the plane rocking from one wing tip to the other. Pilots receive training to recover from such extreme situations, and the plane landed safely in Oakland about an hour later.

News week contacted the NTSB Saturday by email for additional comment.

The Boeing 737 Max series has come under scrutiny following two devastating crashes in 2018 and 2019, which resulted in a total of 346 deaths. The tragedies were attributed to a faulty automated flight control system, which led to the plane being completely grounded. After extensive investigations, software updates and enhanced pilot training, the FAA authorized the 737 Max to return to service in November 2020.

As investigations into the two Southwest Airlines events progress, the aviation industry and the public await further information regarding the causes and steps needed to prevent future events.