2024 01 25 145424
Southwest Airlines has experienced three incidents in the last few months in which Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft have unexpectedly descended to low altitudes on their landing approaches. Three unsafe approaches, the first at Oklahoma City, the second off the coast of Hawaii, and now a third on approach to Tampa Bay raises questions regarding Southwest’s operation of the 737 MAX 8.
The key question is whether this is a problem in pilot training and paying attention to altitude, or a problem with the 737 MAX aircraft itself? While it seems unlikely that a pilot would knowingly descent to an unsafe altitude on approach to an airport, given approach profiles and landing system guidance, the same behavior has now occurred multiple times. That is enough to cause concern and understand the root cause of the problem.
We have no idea whether the problem is with the aircraft, how pilots operate the aircraft, training protocols, or a confluence of unusual events. Nonetheless, each incident should be investigated in depth, as a continuation of close call incidents could result in a tragic event.
Southwest is facing financial difficulties as the carrier continues to underperform its counterparts, leading to a demand for changes by Elliot Investment Management, which purchased 10% of the company’s shares. The beleaguered carrier is facing new competitive pressures from both legacy carriers and ULCCs, and has resisted changes to its business model, which many observers consider obsolete.
All of this is occurring while its order for 737 MAX 7 aircraft has been delayed as the aircraft has not yet been certified by the FAA. The MAX 8 aircraft which the carrier is taking as it replaces older 737-700 aircraft is too large for many routes, causing economic disruption at the carrier.
The Bottom Line
Hopefully, the multiple FAA investigations will rapidly identify and correct the root cause of the problems. United Airlines was recently under additional FAA scrutiny, and it may be necessary to place Southwest Airlines under similar scrutiny after this third unsafe low altitude incident on a landing approach. Combined with a recent takeoff from a closed runway in Portland Maine and a “Dutch roll” incident, Southwest’s operations need increased scrutiny.
Views: 2
Someone needs to step up to the plate and get these problems resolved with both Boeing aircraft and Southwest Airlines before we end up with an unnecessary disaster!!!
I can’t believe that this is pilot error, if pilot is capable of flying the aircraft, then I don’t think he would drop in altitude to an unsafe altitude without notice. There must be a reason (problem) that is happening . Hopefully you can figure it out quickly so there is no major issue.
Safety first..they’re endangering the lives of many
I have a flight scheduled for next month with Southwest. I’ve never been afraid to fly until now. Perhaps I need to switch airlines.