NTSB Issues Safety Recommendation A-11-009 to FAA Regarding Boeing 737 Elevator Control System

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued safety recommendation ENG09IA011, designated as A-11-009, addressed directly to the Federal Aviation Administration. This official directive urges the FAA to mandate that Boeing undertake a comprehensive redesign of the elevator control system for airplanes in the 737-300 through -500 series. The primary objective of this required engineering change is to ensure that the control mechanism remains resilient against single-point jams. By implementing this redesign, the NSB aims to guarantee that such mechanical failures will not restrict the movement of the elevator control system. Ensuring unrestricted movement is critical for allowing pilots to maintain control and execute continued safe flight and landing procedures even in the event of a component failure within the control linkage.