The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has urged airlines to implement more realistic training for pilots to effectively manage smoke in the cockpit. This recommendation follows a December 2023 incident involving a Southwest Airlines flight that experienced significant smoke after a bird strike.
During the investigation, pilots reported that the smoke-filled cockpit presented challenges far beyond what they had encountered in their training. They noted difficulties in seeing their instruments and checklists, which could have led to disastrous outcomes if the event had occurred under more adverse conditions, such as at night or in poor weather.
Current Training Gaps: Despite the frequency of smoke reports in cockpits, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) does not mandate realistic smoke simulation training. Current protocols typically involve only discussions on how to respond to such situations, rather than practical exercises.
The Southwest pilots managed to land safely, utilizing oxygen masks and following emergency procedures, ensuring that all 139 passengers and crew members were unharmed.
Industry Response: The NTSB's call for improved training has not yet received a response from the FAA or from Southwest Airlines and the Airlines for America trade group, which were approached for comments on the report.
In a related context, the NTSB had previously urged Boeing and CFM, the engine manufacturer, to develop a software fix for the 737 Max engines to prevent smoke from entering the cockpit or cabin after a bird strike safety feature is activated. Updates on this software fix remain pending.
