FAA Investigates Boeing 737 Max Software Glitch

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is scrutinizing a software glitch in some Boeing 737 Max jets. This issue may cause the automated flight guidance system to disengage during an aborted landing, known as a go-around. The problem arises under specific conditions during a precision approach with autopilot engaged, where changes to the pre-programmed flight plan affect the flight management computer. As a result, the plane’s vertical navigation system (VNAV) may disengage, transitioning to a simpler form of automated pitch control.

VNAV aims to maintain the pre-planned altitude at different waypoints along the flight path. If the glitch happens, pilots must take additional actions upon their subsequent approach. This scenario usually occurs in low-altitude airport environments where pilots face high workloads. An airline source questioned, “How busy do you want your crew to be? Are you introducing distractions at the worst possible moment?”

A Boeing spokesperson acknowledged the issue, highlighting that pilots still retain autopilot access. They assured CBS News of shared information with operators to reinforce existing pilot procedures for such cases. Boeing is currently working on a software update to resolve the glitch permanently.

Boeing stated, “Last month, we informed all 737 operators about a software issue where pilots may not have access to automated flight guidance during a specific landing scenario.”

The problem first appeared in versions 14 and 14.1 of the Max’s flight management computer software. Although Boeing does not view it as an immediate safety threat, the FAA plans to convene a Corrective Action Review Board (CARB). They will take prompt action if a safety concern arises.

Southwest Airlines and United Airlines have chosen not to accept new aircraft with the current operating system, preferring an earlier version. Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest, and United clarified their in-service 737 Max fleets do not use incriminated software versions. Boeing was initially informed of this issue by an airline in November 2024. The manufacturer reviewed it in February 2025, deeming it not a safety problem. However, new data from operators prompted Boeing to initiate a formal safety review board, whose findings were sent to the FAA this month.

Boeing’s bulletin anticipated a software fix by 2028 and procedural updates for pilots in November. The company is accelerating these efforts. The FAA review might further delay 737 Max 10 certification, the fourth and largest Max variant. Although close to certification, it’s lagging years behind schedule. The issue may also postpone deliveries of the recently certified Max 7, with most orders from Southwest.

Boeing sees the Max as crucial to its turnaround strategy. It experienced previous setbacks from two fatal collisions in 2018 and 2019, caused by faulty software, resulting in 346 deaths. Additionally, an Alaska Airlines mid-flight door panel blowout in January 2024 was due to manufacturing errors.

Several U.S. airlines remain cautious, adopting a trust-but-verify approach towards Boeing, wary of past Max-related groundings and delays. The Max 7 was certified with software version 14, and the Max 10 tested with version 14.1. Southwest anticipated receiving Max 7 deliveries this fall, while Alaska Airlines plans to be the first customer for the Max 10. Whether they will proceed with deliveries remains uncertain.

The software glitch’s first report came from The Wall Street Journal. CBS News sought comments from Allegiant Air, another 737 Max operator.