Teh Boeing 737 MAX was grounded worldwide in March 2019 following two fatal crashes, and returned to service in december 2020 after extensive software updates and pilot training requirements were implemented and approved by aviation regulators. as of January 12, 2026, the 737 MAX continues to operate globally with ongoing monitoring and scrutiny from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other international aviation authorities.
The Boeing 737 MAX Grounding
The Boeing 737 MAX was grounded globally on March 13, 2019, after two crashes – Lion Air Flight 610 on october 29, 2018, and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 on March 10, 2019 – resulted in the deaths of 346 people.
the crashes were linked to a new software system called the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation System (MCAS), designed to automatically push the nose of the aircraft down if it detected a stall. Investigations revealed that MCAS could be triggered by a single faulty angle of attack (AOA) sensor, and pilots were not adequately informed about the system or trained to respond to malfunctions. The FAA and Boeing faced criticism for the certification process of the 737 MAX and the lack of openness regarding MCAS.
Evidence: The final report of the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) into the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crash, released in July 2019, explicitly cited the MCAS system as a contributing factor. Ethiopian Transport Accident Investigation Bureau Final Report
Recertification and Return to Service
The FAA initiated a review of the 737 MAX’s design and software in 2019, requiring Boeing to make significant changes. These changes included redesigning the MCAS system to rely on two AOA sensors, providing pilots with more data about the system, and implementing new pilot training requirements.
Detail: The recertification process involved multiple layers of review, including design changes, simulator testing, and pilot evaluations. Boeing conducted extensive software updates and implemented a revised flight control computer software. The FAA also issued Airworthiness Directives (ADs) mandating the software updates and pilot training before the aircraft could return to service.
Example: On November 18, 2020, the FAA issued an Airworthiness Directive (AD) lifting the grounding order, paving the way for the 737 MAX to return to service. FAA Airworthiness Directive 2020-23-02. American Airlines operated the first commercial flight with a 737 MAX on December 29, 2020.
Ongoing Oversight and Related Entities
the FAA continues to oversee the 737 MAX,conducting ongoing inspections and monitoring the aircraft’s performance. Other related entities include Boeing, airlines operating the 737 MAX, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and international aviation regulators such as the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
Detail: The NTSB continues to investigate the crashes and provide safety recommendations. EASA independently validated the FAA’s safety assessments before allowing the 737 MAX to return to service in Europe. Boeing has implemented changes to its safety culture and engineering processes in response to the crashes and the subsequent scrutiny.
Evidence: As of January 2026,the FAA has conducted numerous audits of Boeing’s manufacturing facilities and quality control processes. FAA Findings on Boeing 737 MAX Production. The Department of Justice reached a deferred prosecution agreement with Boeing in January 2021 related to the 737 MAX crashes. Department of Justice Press release
