Boeing 737 MAX software glitch affects automated navigation

Boeing 737 MAX software glitch autopilot failure FAA investigation aviation safety

Boeing has identified a software glitch in its 737 MAX aircraft that can disable automated vertical navigation features during certain landing procedures. The issue arises following a missed approach when flight crews adjust their planned flight paths, potentially forcing pilots to fly manually at low altitudes.

Boeing notified all operators of the issue in late August, stating that the glitch does not pose an immediate safety risk and that pilots are trained to handle such scenarios. Engineers are currently developing a software update to provide a permanent resolution.

Major US carriers, including Southwest and United Airlines, have requested that Boeing refrain from delivering new MAX jets equipped with the affected software, opting instead for earlier versions. Alaska, American, Southwest, and United Airlines have all confirmed that none of their current MAX fleets are operating with the problematic software version.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating the matter and has stated it will take immediate action if a safety risk is identified.

Entities

737 MAX · American Airlines · Boeing · Federal Aviation Administration · Southwest Airlines · United Airlines

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 5 SOURCES] Southwest and United Airlines have requested that Boeing not deliver new MAX jets with the affected software, opting for earlier versions instead. offthepress.com · www.spacemoney.com.br · www.t-online.de · nypost.com · www.timesnownews.com
[● 8 SOURCES] Boeing engineers are developing a software update to permanently resolve the glitch. offthepress.com · www.sbctv.gr · www.spacemoney.com.br · www.onetz.de · www.t-online.de · +3 more
[● 4 SOURCES] Alaska, American, Southwest, and United Airlines stated that none of their current MAX jets are flying with the affected software version. offthepress.com · www.spacemoney.com.br · nypost.com · www.timesnownews.com
[● 9 SOURCES] Boeing identified a software glitch in the 737 MAX that can disable automated navigation features following a missed approach. offthepress.com · www.sbctv.gr · www.spacemoney.com.br · www.onetz.de · www.t-online.de · +4 more
[● 4 SOURCES] Boeing informed airlines in late August that it does not consider the software glitch to be an immediate safety risk. offthepress.com · nypost.com · www.allgaeuer-zeitung.de · www.timesnownews.com
[● 6 SOURCES] The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating the software glitch and may take action if a safety risk is identified. offthepress.com · www.sbctv.gr · www.spacemoney.com.br · www.t-online.de · www.timesnownews.com · +1 more
[○ 1 SOURCE] The FAA has certified the Boeing 737 MAX 7, though deliveries to Southwest Airlines are not expected until late 2026. www.airdatanews.com
[● 5 SOURCES] The software glitch is linked to a cockpit update and occurs when pilots change flight paths after a missed approach. offthepress.com · www.spacemoney.com.br · www.t-online.de · www.timesnownews.com · nypost.com