Boeing has identified a software issue in its 737 MAX fleet where the autopilot may switch to a simplified longitudinal control mode during a go-around maneuver. While the company stated this does not constitute an immediate safety threat, it increases pilot workload during critical flight phases, particularly in poor weather or at low altitudes.
The manufacturer notified operators of the issue in late August and subsequently reported the findings to the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The regulator has established a special board to assess the risks and determine if mandatory corrective actions are necessary for the fleet.
In response, airlines including Southwest Airlines and United Airlines have requested that Boeing pause deliveries of new 737 MAX aircraft equipped with the affected U.14 software version. Carriers are opting to receive planes running earlier, stable software versions instead.
The software bug also impacts the certification and delivery timelines for the 737 MAX 7 and 737 MAX 10 models. While Boeing originally planned to release a permanent software fix by 2028, the company is now working to accelerate development and is preparing an interim bulletin with updated procedures for flight crews.
