A previously undisclosed software glitch on Boeing’s 737 MAX aircraft could create serious complications during an aborted landing, according to a new report.
The problem emerged during a cockpit software update and can affect a go-around, when an aircraft abandons its landing approach and climbs away. The automated flight-guidance system may disengage in that situation, the Wall Street Journal reported.
The disruption can occur during a missed approach, an uncommon but routine safety maneuver in which pilots may be using a precision approach with the autopilot engaged.
Because of the glitch affecting the flight-management computer, pilots could be forced to take over manually while losing access to some autopilot functions, according to the report.
Industry officials warned that the added workload could strain pilots already managing a high-pressure situation at low altitude, potentially while contending with poor weather conditions.
Boeing has faced heightened scrutiny since two fatal 737 MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019 killed 346 people and prompted the aircraft’s grounding worldwide.
The aerospace company came under further pressure in January 2024, when a door panel separated from an Alaska Airlines 737 9-MAX during flight. The incident was ultimately attributed to manufacturing mistakes.
Boeing informed operators about the malfunction in late August and said it did not present a safety risk. However, United Airlines and Southwest Airlines were among the carriers that asked Boeing not to deliver new 737 MAX aircraft fitted with the affected software, the WSJ reported.
A newly reported software glitch on Boeing’s 737 MAX could create serious problems if pilots must abort a landing, according to a new report.
Boeing has faced intense scrutiny since two fatal 737 MAX crashes in 2018 and 2019 killed 346 people and led to the aircraft’s worldwide grounding. (Pictured: Workers recovering wreckage from the 2019 crash in Ethiopia.)
The airlines instead requested that Boeing provide aircraft equipped with earlier software versions, the outlet reported.
It remains unclear how many 737 MAX aircraft are currently operating with the affected software.
Boeing said it is working to establish an accurate total and that airlines are required to notify the company when they upgrade their software, according to the report.
Cirium aviation data cited by the WSJ shows that 2,422 Boeing 737 MAX 8 and 9 aircraft are currently flying worldwide.
Alaska, American, Southwest and United Airlines operate the aircraft, but each carrier said none of its planes is using the glitch-affected software, the report stated.
Boeing, regulators and airlines are reviewing the issue to determine whether it represents a flight-safety concern, a company spokesperson told the Daily Mail.
‘We shared information with operators that reinforced existing pilot procedures for safely handling such cases.’
Boeing faced another major setback in January 2024 when a door panel came off an Alaska Airlines 737 9-MAX in mid-air, an incident ultimately blamed on manufacturing errors.
Boeing, regulators and airlines are investigating whether the software problem poses a risk to flight safety, according to a company spokesperson.
‘Our engineers are working on a software update to permanently address the issue,’ they added.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) told the Daily Mail that the agency is also investigating the 737 MAX issue and is ready to take action if needed.
‘The FAA is aware of a potential issue in a software update for the flight computers on certain Boeing 737 MAX airplanes and is working closely with Boeing and the airlines.
‘The FAA will convene a Corrective Action Review Board (CARB) and will take immediate action if it identifies a safety concern,’ a spokesperson said.
The glitch was first brought to Boeing’s attention in November 2024, but it did not appear to meet the company’s standards for a safety review at the time, the outlet stated.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) told the Daily Mail that the agency is also investigating the 737 MAX issue and is ready to take action if needed
Boeing then shared the information with airlines and launched a formal safety review after feedback expressed similar concerns, according to WSJ.
More guidance on the issue is expected to be released by Boeing in November, with a permanent software fix set to be released in early 2028, per the report.
The issue could go on to affect the launch of Boeing’s newest 737 MAX models 7 and 10, industry and government officials told the publication.
Delta, United, American and Alaska Airlines have an order in for Boeing’s MAX 10 jets, the outlet reported.
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