The National Transportation Safety Board has issued an urgent safety bulletin about potential issues with jet engines on Boeing 737 Max aircraft. The warning was sparked by two Southwest Airlines flights that were hit by birds, causing concerns over the CFM International LEAP-1B engines.
According to the NTSB, if these engines are damaged, smoke can enter the ventilation system and eventually reach the cockpit or passenger cabin. This is a serious concern as smoke in the cockpit can pose an extreme danger to pilots’ safety.
The agency has expressed concern that flight crews may not be aware of this potential hazard, which is why it’s calling on the Federal Aviation Administration to inform operators about airplanes equipped with the affected engines. The NTSB also recommends modifications to engine software to address the issue.
Boeing has already revised its flight manuals to provide pilots with steps to prevent smoke from entering the cockpit or cabin following damage. GE Aerospace stated that they are working closely with airframers to enhance the system’s capability, aligning with the NTSB’s recommendations. Boeing also confirmed that it supports the agency’s recommendation for software updates to address the issue.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/06/18/business/ntsb-safety-bulletin-boeing-737-max-engines