October 27-31, 1996
 

fter crashes, near-crashes and hundred of lesser incidents, federal officials are pressing for changes in the Boeing 737, the most widely used airliner in the world.

This series of articles examining technical, regulatory and legal issues associated with the 737 rudder problem is the result of two years of research involving thousands of pages of federal records, airline reports, Boeing documents, legal briefs filed in accident cases, and interviews with dozens of industry sources.

Rudder trouble arises almost as soon as 737s begin flying More		The Colorado Springs crash and Boeing's role in investigations More
The Pittsburgh crash and more revelations about rudder trouble More		Boeing's aggressive approach to product liability More
Safety agencies, their decisions and Boeing's influence More		Boeing admits rudder problem; 737 inspections ordered Boeing developing safety device to limit rudder movement More

Reporting: Byron Acohido Editing: Robert Weisman, Richard Zahler Copy Editing: Carole McClosky Research:: Polly Lane		Design: Liz McClure, Michael Kellams, David Miller Graphics: James McFarlane, Karen Kerchelich, Jeff Neumann Photography: Jimi Lott Photo Editing: Fred Nelson