FAA Investigating After Boeing 737 MAX Incurs ‘Substantial’ Damage From Rare Rolling Accident

A Boeing 777 pilot says the roll could have been caused by turbulence, damaged components, or pilot error.

A number of grounded Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft are shown parked at Victorville Airport in Victorville, Calif., on March 26, 2019. Mike Blake/Reuters

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating after a Boeing 737 MAX 8 jet experienced a “Dutch roll” event on May 25, causing “substantial” damage to the plane.

During a Dutch roll, the plane’s tail moves left to right in an oscillating motion—a “yaw” rotation—while the wings “roll” upward and downward along the plane’s vertical axis, causing the nose to make a figure-eight. The motion can cause serious safety risks.