Regulations & Safety
NTSB Urges LEAP-1B Engine Fixes After Smoke Incidents
Safety alert issued for Boeing 737 MAX engines after bird strikes caused cockpit smoke via Load Reduction Device flaws. Software and design updates in progress.
Smoke Risk in LEAP-1B Engines: NTSB Issues Urgent Safety Recommendations
On June 18, 2025, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued an urgent safety recommendation concerning CFM International LEAP-1B engines. These engines, a cornerstone of modern commercial aviation, are used on Boeing 737 MAX aircraft and have logged over 1.5 million flight hours. The recommendation follows two serious incidents in which smoke entered the cockpit and cabin after bird strikes triggered a safety mechanism known as the Load Reduction Device (LRD).
The NTSB’s findings point to a potentially systemic issue in the design of the LRD, which, though intended to reduce engine damage during emergencies, can inadvertently allow hot oil to leak into the aircraft’s ventilation system. This has raised red flags across the aviation industry, prompting calls for immediate action from aircraft manufacturers, engine developers, and international aviation regulators.
Given the widespread use of LEAP engines across Airbus A320neo, Boeing 737 MAX, and COMAC C919 aircraft, the implications of this safety concern are far-reaching. This article delves into the technical background, incident analysis, and the broader impact of the NTSB’s recommendations on aviation safety and operations.
Understanding the Load Reduction Device and Its Risks
The Intended Function of the Load Reduction Device (LRD)
The Load Reduction Device (LRD) is a mechanical safety feature built into the LEAP-1B engine. It is designed to activate automatically during severe engine imbalances, such as those caused by fan blade failures or bird strikes. When triggered, the LRD decouples the fan from the engine core to minimize vibrations that could otherwise damage the airframe or engine mounts.
This system is a product of lessons learned from over a billion flight hours on the CFM56 engine family. Its primary goal is to enhance safety without requiring pilot intervention, especially during critical phases of flight like takeoff and landing. However, despite its safety-driven design, the LRD has introduced a new and unanticipated hazard.
Investigations revealed that LRD activation can dislodge oil-supply tubes or fracture engine sump flanges. This allows engine oil to enter areas of high temperature, where it vaporizes and is then carried into the aircraft’s ventilation system via bleed air ports, resulting in smoke in the cockpit and cabin.
“What was once considered a fail-safe mechanism now presents a potentially serious hazard under specific but foreseeable conditions,”, NTSB report, June 2025.
Case Studies: Southwest Airlines Incidents
Two Southwest Airlines flights in 2023 serve as case studies for the LRD-related smoke hazard. In December, Flight 554 departed from New Orleans when a bird strike led to LRD activation. Within seconds, thick white smoke filled the cockpit, impairing the pilot’s visibility. The crew managed to return safely, but the NTSB noted that the 10–15 second delay in manually shutting off the engine bleed valve was a critical vulnerability.
Earlier that year, in March, a similar incident occurred on Flight 392 departing from Havana. A bird strike on the right engine led to LRD activation and subsequent vapor fog entering the passenger cabin. Passengers reported a chemical-like odor and visible haze. The crew declared an emergency and returned without injuries, but the incident reinforced concerns about the LRD’s unintended consequences.
Both incidents highlighted that while the LRD effectively mitigated engine damage, it introduced a new risk by enabling smoke to enter occupied areas of the aircraft. The NTSB emphasized that bird strikes are not rare, occurring roughly every 2,000 flights globally, and must be accounted for in engine safety systems.
Technical Analysis and Design Implications
The NTSB’s technical analysis found that oil leakage into the high-pressure compressor, where temperatures can exceed 500°F, results in rapid vaporization. This vapor is then distributed through the aircraft’s ventilation system, which draws bleed air from the engine. The system’s reliance on manual intervention to shut off the bleed valve poses a safety concern, particularly during high workload periods like takeoff.
CFM and Boeing have proposed a two-phase solution. The short-term fix involves a software update that automatically closes the bleed valve upon LRD activation. The long-term solution includes redesigning the oil-supply tube anchorage and sump sealing mechanisms to prevent displacement during LRD events.
These solutions aim to eliminate the delay in pilot response and reduce the likelihood of smoke entering the aircraft. However, implementation will require regulatory approval, certification, and fleet-wide retrofitting, which could be both time-consuming and costly.
Industry Response and Broader Implications
Regulatory and Manufacturer Actions
Following the NTSB’s urgent recommendation, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) have been asked to evaluate the risk across all LEAP engine variants, including the LEAP-1A and LEAP-1C used on Airbus and COMAC aircraft, respectively.
Boeing has revised its Flight Crew Operations Manual (FCOM) and Quick Reference Handbook (QRH) to include new procedures for managing LRD-related smoke events. These revisions instruct pilots to immediately close the engine bleed valve and initiate emergency descent protocols if necessary.
Training simulators are being updated to include LRD-specific scenarios, and operators are being urged to brief flight crews on the new procedures. The NTSB stressed that awareness and preparedness are crucial, especially given that many pilots were previously unaware of the LRD’s potential to cause smoke ingress.
Economic and Operational Impact
Retrofitting the existing fleet of over 1,200 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft with the proposed software update is estimated to cost $150,000 per engine, amounting to approximately $360 million. Additional downtime during modifications could cost airlines an estimated $1.2 million per day in lost utilization.
Despite these costs, industry analysts suggest that proactive compliance with the NTSB’s recommendations may help mitigate reputational damage for both Boeing and CFM. The joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines has committed to implementing the changes and supporting operators throughout the transition.
Beyond financial implications, the issue underscores the importance of comprehensive risk modeling in engine design. As aircraft systems become more complex, ensuring that safety features do not introduce new hazards is a critical challenge for manufacturers and regulators alike.
Future Directions and Safety Innovations
The LEAP engine’s LRD issue offers valuable lessons for future engine development. One potential area of innovation is the integration of real-time oil leak detection systems, which could provide early warnings before smoke enters the aircraft.
The incident also highlights the need for harmonized global regulations. As the aviation industry becomes increasingly interconnected, ensuring consistent safety standards across regions is essential. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) may play a key role in standardizing LRD-related procedures.
Looking ahead, resolving the LRD issue could set a new benchmark for fail-safe design in next-generation propulsion systems, including those powered by sustainable aviation fuels or hydrogen. The aviation industry must balance innovation with rigorous safety validation to maintain public trust and operational reliability.
Conclusion: A Turning Point in Engine Safety
The NTSB’s urgent recommendation concerning LEAP-1B engines marks a pivotal moment in aviation safety. While the LRD was designed to protect aircraft from structural damage, its unintended consequence, smoke ingress, revealed a critical vulnerability. The incidents involving Southwest Airlines flights underscore the importance of continuous monitoring, evaluation, and adaptation in aerospace engineering.
As regulatory agencies, manufacturers, and operators work together to address the issue, the aviation industry is reminded that even the most well-intentioned safety features require thorough testing under all plausible scenarios. The resolution of the LRD flaw will not only restore confidence in the LEAP engine family but also inform the design of future propulsion systems.
FAQ
What is the Load Reduction Device (LRD)?
The LRD is a mechanical safety feature in LEAP engines that decouples the fan from the engine core during severe imbalances to reduce vibration and prevent structural damage.
Why is smoke entering the cockpit and cabin?
When the LRD activates, it can dislodge oil-supply tubes, allowing oil to enter hot engine areas and vaporize. This vapor can then be circulated into the cockpit and cabin via the bleed air system.
What actions are being taken to resolve the issue?
Boeing and CFM are developing a software update to automatically close bleed valves upon LRD activation and are redesigning certain engine components. Regulatory agencies are evaluating similar risks in other LEAP engine variants.
Sources: NTSB Press Release, NTSB Investigation Report, NTSB Docket DCA24LA330
Photo Credit: NTSB
Regulations & Safety
New Mexico Medical Plane Crash Kills Four in Capitan Mountains
A Beechcraft King Air 90 medical transport crashed near Ruidoso, New Mexico, killing four. FAA and NTSB investigate amid difficult weather and terrain.
This article summarizes reporting by KCRA and Dylan Hyman.
A tragic aviation accident occurred early Thursday morning in New Mexico when a small medical transport plane crashed, resulting in the deaths of all four individuals on board. The incident has prompted a multi-agency emergency response and federal investigations into the cause of the fatal flight.
According to reporting by KCRA and journalist Dylan Hyman, the crash took place in the rugged terrain of the Capitan Mountains outside of Ruidoso. The loss of the aircraft and its crew highlights the inherent risks associated with emergency medical aviation, particularly in challenging environmental conditions.
We are closely monitoring the ongoing recovery efforts, which have been complicated by a resulting wildfire and hazardous weather conditions in the southern New Mexico region.
Incident Details and Flight Path
The aircraft involved in the May 14, 2026, incident was operating as a medical transport flight. Research reports indicate the plane departed from the Roswell Air Center and was en route to the Sierra Blanca Regional Airport when it went down at approximately 4:00 a.m. local time.
All four people aboard the flight were confirmed dead at the scene. Authorities have withheld the names of the victims pending the notification of their next of kin.
“A small medical plane crashed in New Mexico Thursday, killing four people on board, officials said,” according to the initial report by KCRA.
Aircraft Background
The downed aircraft has been identified as a Beechcraft King Air 90, a dual-propeller plane frequently utilized for both medical and corporate transport due to its reliability and cabin size. Secondary reports indicate the specific plane involved in Thursday’s crash was owned by a company named Angel’s Envy.
Emergency Response and Environmental Impact
First responders faced significant logistical challenges upon arriving at the scene. The Capitan Mountains feature difficult, mountainous terrain that complicates both access and recovery operations. Lincoln County Manager Jason Burns publicly confirmed the crash and highlighted the arduous nature of the ongoing recovery efforts.
The impact of the crash ignited a brush fire in the immediate vicinity of the wreckage. As of Thursday morning, a coordinated effort by the U.S. Forest Service and local New Mexico agencies had successfully contained the blaze to an area of less than five acres.
Weather Conditions
Hazardous weather may have played a role in the incident or the rapid spread of the subsequent fire. The Ruidoso area was under an active “red flag” fire risk warning due to hot, dry conditions and low humidity. Furthermore, wind gusts reaching up to 35 mph were reported in the area, creating a volatile environment for both aviation and firefighting efforts.
Federal Investigations and Next Steps
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a joint investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash. The primary factors leading to the accident remain unknown at this time.
Federal investigators are currently evaluating the wreckage. A key focus of the probe will be determining whether the post-crash fire was solely a result of the high-speed impact or if mechanical failures contributed to the tragedy before the aircraft hit the ground.
AirPro News analysis
Air ambulances and medical transport flights inherently operate under high-stakes conditions. Flying at 4:00 a.m. in mountainous terrain with 35 mph wind gusts presents a highly complex operational environment for a small aircraft like the Beechcraft King Air 90. While the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, the combination of darkness, rugged topography, and severe wind conditions will likely be a focal point for the NTSB.
We anticipate the NTSB’s preliminary report, which is typically released within 30 to 60 days of an aviation accident, will provide crucial insights into the flight’s final moments. This initial documentation should clarify whether weather, mechanical issues, or human factors were the primary drivers of this tragic event.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of plane crashed in New Mexico?
The aircraft was a Beechcraft King Air 90, a small dual-propeller plane operating as a medical transport flight.
How many casualties were reported?
Four individuals were on board the aircraft, and all four were confirmed deceased.
Where exactly did the crash occur?
The plane went down in the Capitan Mountains area outside of Ruidoso, New Mexico, while en route to the Sierra Blanca Regional Airport.
Who is investigating the crash?
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are leading the investigation into the cause of the accident.
Sources
Photo Credit: KOAT
Regulations & Safety
NTSB Urges FAA to Mandate Simulator Training for Smoke Emergencies
NTSB recommends FAA require realistic simulator training for smoke-in-cockpit emergencies following a Southwest Airlines incident in 2023.
This article is based on an official press release from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
On May 13, 2026, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued new safety recommendations urging the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the broader airline industry to mandate realistic, scenario-based simulator training for smoke-in-cockpit emergencies.
The regulatory push follows a harrowing December 2023 incident involving a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 MAX, where a bird strike led to dense smoke rapidly filling the flight deck. According to the NTSB press release, the FAA receives reports of smoke-related emergencies on a “nearly daily” basis. Despite this frequency, current pilot training relies heavily on verbal discussions rather than immersive, physical simulations.
The safety board warned that without realistic, stress-inducing training, flight crews remain underprepared for the sudden loss of visibility.
“Without realistic training, a similar event occurring at night or in poor weather could be catastrophic,” the NTSB warned in its assessment of current training shortfalls.
The Catalyst: Southwest Airlines Flight 554
A Sudden Emergency Over New Orleans
The foundation for these new recommendations stems from Southwest Airlines Flight 554 on December 20, 2023. The Boeing 737-8 (MAX) was departing Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) for Tampa, Florida, carrying 139 people on board.
As the aircraft climbed through approximately 1,000 feet, its left engine ingested a bird. The NTSB reports that the plane began to shake violently, and within seconds, the cockpit was inundated with acrid white smoke.
Visibility deteriorated so quickly that the First Officer reported being unable to clearly see the Captain, who in turn struggled to read the instrument panel. The crew successfully donned airtight oxygen masks, executed emergency checklists, declared an emergency, and returned safely to the airport with no injuries reported. According to the NTSB’s findings, the flight crew later told investigators that the surprise, adrenaline, and severely restricted visibility were far more challenging than anything they had ever experienced in their standard training.
Mechanical Flaws and the LEAP-1B Engine
The Unintended Consequences of the Load Reduction Device
To understand the severity of the smoke intrusion, the NTSB detailed the mechanical sequence within the aircraft’s CFM International LEAP-1B engines. When the bird struck, it triggered a safety mechanism known as the Load Reduction Device (LRD).
The LRD is designed to intentionally disconnect the engine’s fan blades from the turbomachinery during severe vibrations, preventing the shaking from causing structural failure to the aircraft. While the LRD successfully halted the vibration on Flight 554, its activation dislodged oil tubes.
This dislodgment allowed oil to leak into the engine’s hot sections, where it rapidly vaporized. The aircraft’s air conditioning system then pumped this vaporized oil directly into the cabin and cockpit as smoke. The NTSB previously addressed this mechanical flaw in June 2025 with an urgent safety recommendation (AIR-25-03), urging the FAA, Boeing, and CFM International to develop a software fix to close pressure valves faster and prevent smoke intrusion.
The Core Issue: Inadequate Pilot Training
Moving Beyond Verbal Discussions
With the latest report (AIR-26-03), the NTSB has shifted its focus from the mechanical vulnerabilities of the 737 MAX to human factors and pilot preparedness. Under current FAA regulations, passenger airlines are not required to conduct realistic smoke-in-cockpit simulation training.
Instead, existing recurrent training typically consists of verbal discussions about emergency procedures. The NTSB argues that verbal reviews completely fail to prepare flight crews for the elevated workload, extreme stress, and time-critical decision-making required when visibility is suddenly lost in the flight deck.
Underscoring the urgency of the situation, the NTSB revealed a startling statistic: the FAA receives notifications of flights declaring emergencies due to smoke in the cockpit on a nearly daily basis.
Official NTSB Recommendations
To close this critical gap in aviation safety, the NTSB issued three formal safety recommendations on May 13, 2026:
- To the FAA: Work with the aviation industry to develop standardized, realistic scenario-based simulator training for smoke-in-cockpit events.
- To the FAA: Incorporate this new training requirement into the FAA’s official guidance for overseeing airline training programs (FAA Order 8900.1A).
- To Airlines for America (A4A) and the Regional Airline Association (RAA): Disseminate the findings of the Southwest Flight 554 incident to all member airlines and proactively encourage them to adopt realistic smoke-event simulations before a formal FAA mandate is issued.
AirPro News analysis
At AirPro News, we observe that this development highlights a recurring theme in aviation safety: regulatory frameworks often lag behind real-world operational risks. Despite the FAA receiving near-daily reports of smoke events, it took a severe, high-profile incident on a 737 MAX to catalyze a formal push for modernized simulator training.
Implementing these recommendations will present a significant financial and logistical hurdle for the airline industry. Carriers will need to update multi-million-dollar flight simulators to physically replicate smoke or severely restricted visibility. However, the NTSB’s stark warning that a similar event in adverse weather could be catastrophic places immense pressure on the FAA to act swiftly. The FAA has not yet issued a formal response to the May 13 recommendations, but industry stakeholders will be watching closely to see how quickly these mandates are adopted.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What caused the smoke on Southwest Flight 554?
A bird strike triggered the engine’s Load Reduction Device, which stopped severe vibrations but dislodged oil tubes. Oil leaked into hot engine sections, vaporized, and was pumped into the cockpit by the air conditioning system.
What is the NTSB recommending?
The NTSB is recommending that the FAA and airline industry mandate realistic, scenario-based simulator training for smoke-in-cockpit emergencies, replacing current verbal discussion-based training.
Were there any injuries on Southwest Flight 554?
No. The flight crew successfully donned oxygen masks, declared an emergency, and safely returned to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport with all 139 people on board unharmed.
Photo Credit: ABC News
Regulations & Safety
South Akron Plane Crash Kills Two Near Coventry Crossing Home
A 1963 Piper PA-28 crashed into a South Akron home on May 14, killing two aboard. The family inside escaped uninjured. Investigation ongoing by FAA and NTSB.
This article summarizes reporting by WKYC and Dave DeNatale.
A tragic aviation incident occurred in South Akron on Thursday afternoon when a small aircraft crashed into a residential neighborhood, resulting in two fatalities. According to reporting by WKYC, the crash ignited a massive fire but miraculously spared the family of four who were inside the home at the time of the impact.
The incident, which took place on May 14, 2026, has prompted a multi-agency response involving local emergency services, state patrols, and federal aviation authorities. We are closely monitoring the developing details as investigators work to secure the scene and determine the underlying cause of the fatal crash.
Incident Details and Timeline
At approximately 3:45 p.m. local time, a 1963 single-engine Piper PA-28 Cherokee went down in the Coventry Crossing residential development. Based on the initial reports from WKYC and local authorities, the aircraft struck a home located on the 2200 block of Canterbury Circle.
The flight had recently departed from Akron Fulton Regional Airport, which is situated just three to four miles east of the crash site. Akron Fire Department crews responded to emergency 911 calls from neighbors describing a descending plane followed by loud explosions. Upon arrival, first responders encountered a fully engulfed structure and heavy black smoke, initially treating the scene as a severe house fire to prevent the flames from spreading to adjacent properties.
Casualties and Miraculous Escape
Authorities confirmed that the two occupants aboard the Piper PA-28 Cherokee perished in the wreckage. Their identities are currently being withheld pending notification of next of kin by the Summit County Medical Examiner’s office.
In a remarkable turn of events, the family residing in the primary home, a couple and their two children, escaped without physical harm. The Akron Fire Department confirmed that the residents were able to evacuate the burning structure safely.
“They were all home, and they were able to get out with no injuries, so we’re very fortunate,” stated District Fire Chief Sierjie Lash, according to WKYC reporting.
Property Damage and Neighborhood Impact
The impact of the aircraft and the subsequent explosion caused severe structural damage to the primary residence, completely destroying the home’s garage. An adjacent property also sustained fire damage, prompting emergency crews to execute a precautionary evacuation of at least two nearby homes. Chief Lash noted that while residents are being allowed back to their houses, the direct crash scene remains strictly secured.
Ongoing Investigation and Agency Response
A coalition of local, state, and federal agencies is currently managing the crash site. The Akron Police and Fire Departments handled the immediate emergency response, fire suppression, and initial perimeter security. The Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) is taking a leading role in securing the site and coordinating state-level resources.
“The crash remains an active investigation, and troopers, local law enforcement, fire, and EMS personnel continue to assess the scene,” the OSHP noted in a public statement.
Federal authorities will take over the primary investigation. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is tasked with reviewing the flight history, pilot credentials, and air traffic communications. Concurrently, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will examine the aircraft’s mechanical integrity and flight data to determine the official cause of the crash.
AirPro News analysis
As aviation safety observers, we note that incidents involving general aviation aircraft in densely populated residential areas often lead to rigorous scrutiny of local flight paths and zoning regulations. The proximity of the Coventry Crossing development to Akron Fulton Regional Airport, just a few miles away, highlights the critical phase of flight (takeoff and initial climb) where pilots have limited time and altitude to react to mechanical failures. The NTSB’s forthcoming preliminary report will likely focus heavily on any distress communications made by the pilot and the engine’s performance in the moments immediately following departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where did the Akron plane crash occur?
The crash occurred on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at approximately 3:45 p.m. local time in the Coventry Crossing neighborhood of South Akron, specifically on the 2200 block of Canterbury Circle.
What type of aircraft was involved?
Authorities identified the aircraft as a 1963 single-engine Piper PA-28 Cherokee.
Were there any survivors?
The family of four inside the home escaped uninjured. Tragically, the two occupants aboard the aircraft were killed in the crash.
Sources
Photo Credit: News Channel3 NOW
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