NTSB Issues Safety Recommendation A-19-010 to FAA Regarding Boeing 737 MAX System Safety Assessments

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued Safety Recommendation A-19-010, designated as DCA19RA017, addressed directly to the Federal Aviation Administration. This recommendation mandates that Boeing ensure its system safety assessments for the 737 MAX account for the impact of all possible flight deck alerts and indications on a pilot's ability to recognize and respond to uncommanded flight control inputs from systems such as the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System, particularly when assuming immediate and appropriate pilot corrective actions. Furthermore, the NTSB requires Boeing to incorporate necessary design enhancements, including improved flight deck alerts and indications, along with updated pilot procedures and training requirements, to minimize the potential for and safety impact of pilot actions that may be inconsistent with manufacturer assumptions.