NTSB warns of smoke hazard in Boeing 737 Max engines after bird strikes

In December 2023, a Southwest Airlines flight experienced a bird strike shortly after takeoff from New Orleans. This incident resulted in the cockpit becoming filled with thick smoke, impairing the pilot's ability to see crucial instruments. A similar incident had occurred in March 2023, involving another Southwest flight that struck birds shortly after takeoff from Havana, Cuba, which also caused smoke to fill the passenger cabin. These occurrences raised alarm and prompted the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to investigate the underlying issues related to the engines used in these aircraft. The NTSB's findings indicated that the CFM International LEAP-1B engines used in the Boeing 737 Max planes were equipped with a safety feature designed to mitigate damage during bird strikes. However, this load reduction device inadvertently caused oil to be released into the hot engine, leading to smoke entering the cockpit or cabin. This unintended consequence of the safety system emphasized the need for quick modifications to prevent future occurrences, as thick smoke presents significant dangers to both pilots and passengers. In response to the identified safety risks, the NTSB recommended agile modifications to Boeing and CFM International regarding the engine design. Both Boeing and the FAA expressed agreement with these recommendations, highlighting ongoing efforts to alert airlines and pilots about the issue. Furthermore, a software design update for the engines is already in the works to address the vulnerabilities identified in the investigations. The urgency of the situation was underscored by the NTSB's recommendation to enhance pilots' awareness of potential smoke hazards in the cockpit when bird strikes happen. Although manual measures can help limit smoke entry into the cabin, the investigations revealed that many pilots remained largely unaware of these incidents despite prior warnings. As these matters unfold, the commitment from both Boeing and the engine manufacturer to implement modifications and pursue a workable long-term solution remains critical to ensuring passenger safety and maintaining confidence in air travel.