Boeing has identified a software issue that can restrict automated flight guidance, including potentially disengaging the autopilot, during certain Boeing 737 MAX go-arounds when pilots alter the aircraft’s planned altitude or flight path. A go-around occurs when pilots abort a landing, climb away and attempt a second approach. India has about 100 737 MAX aircraft operated by Air India Express and Akasa Air, with Air India Express alone operating more than 50.
The issue arises when the altitude programmed into the aircraft’s system for a particular route does not match the altitude selected by pilots during a go-around. Aviation insiders said the scenario is rare and described the disclosure as a software-related advisory rather than a safety scare. Boeing has informed pilots of the existing procedures to follow if they encounter the problem.
A Boeing spokesperson said the company informed all 737 operators about the issue last month. “We shared information with operators that reinforced existing pilot procedures for safely handling such cases,” the spokesperson said. “Our engineers are working on a software update to permanently address the issue.”
Akasa Air said it was coordinating closely with Boeing and that the matter had no impact on safety. The airline said its aircraft continue to operate in accordance with established procedures and applicable regulatory requirements.
The US Federal Aviation Administration said it would convene a Corrective Action Review Board and take immediate action if it identified a safety concern. The review is intended to assess whether Boeing’s proposed corrective action adequately addresses the reported issue.
The disclosure carries particular sensitivity because the 737 MAX entered commercial service in May 2017 and was subsequently involved in crashes of Lion Air and Ethiopian Airlines flights in 2018 and 2019. The two accidents killed 346 people and led to a worldwide grounding in March 2019. The aircraft returned to service in December 2020 following safety and software changes.
Original Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/boeing-flags-737-max-glitch-that-may-turn-off-auto-pilot/articleshow/134526139.cms
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Publish Date: 2026-09-28 02:09:00
