Boeing is warning airlines that fly Next Generation 737s, the
-700,-800, and -900 series jets to be aware of engine surges, or
oscillation as the plane’s climb to their cruising altitude.
Though considered statistically rare, Boeing tells KING 5 News there
have been 32 incidents of engine surges, lasting anywhere from 10
seconds to a minute while the fuel flow is at its max rate as planes
climb to their cruising altitude.
In one of those incidents, both engines surged simultaneously, making
this a safety-of-flight issue. In another case, one engine surged
followed by the other, but not at the same time. In all other incidents,
the oscillation occurred in only one engine.
The incidents took place over a 5-year period, and appear to be more
concentrated in flights on the West Coast. 17 of the incidents involve
Alaska Airlines, 14 at a second airline Boeing would not name, and one
incident at a third.
Boeing spokesman Mike Tull on the 737 program says Boeing is still
trying to find the root cause, which could be fuel. A spokesman for
Sea-Tac airport said they're unaware of any issues involving the
airport’s fuel supply.
The incidents appeared to have stopped in December, after Honeywell
and CFM upgraded the software going to the small computer on the engine.
Honeywell and CFM make the engines under a joint venture between
General Electric and Snecma of France.
How rare are these incidents? Next Generation 737s make 16,000
flights a day world wide. These 32 cases happened across 23 million
flights, according to Boeing.
The FAA says it’s aware of the issue, but so far has not issued an
Airworthiness Directive, which is a sign that the regulator considers
the problem a serious safety issue.
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