737 Rudder Story

In this video I explain the rudder issues that beset the 737 in the 1990s. I take you through the accidents, investigations, contrasting opinions, design changes and the many QRH changes that the 737 rudder system has gone through, that all started with two mysterious accidents in the early 1990s for which no conclusive evidence was ever found. I also explain how those events led to a complete reformat of the QRH, the introduction of upset recovery training, and FDR improvements. Contents 0:46 UA585, Colorado Springs 6:29 The Original Rudder System 26:20 The Second Accident US427, Pittsburgh 27:42 Critical Design Review 30:42 Boeing Yaw Damper Article 33:27 Eastwind 517 34:31 NTSB Intervention 36:43 QRH Change 38:58 Blowdown & Crossover Speed 56:20 Reaction to the NTSB Recommendations 1:02:00 More ADs 1:03:32 First Design Changes 1:11:37 Two More Incidents 1:13:51 US427 Report 1:22:59 Block Speeds Increased 1:26:22 Engineering Test and Evaluation Board 1:35:35 Rudder System Enhancement Program 1:50:11 Evolution of QRH Procedures 1:58:12 FDR Development 2:09:30 Flight Ops Tech Bulletin 2:11:33 Final Thoughts