Out of Control: Inside Boeing's 737 Rudder Servo Valve Malfunction and the Deadly Price of Denial
By Avery Miles

The Boeing 737 stands as one of the most successful aircraft in aviation history, a symbol of reliability and engineering excellence. Yet, beneath this reputation lies a dark chapter of catastrophic failures and corporate denial. Out of Control: Inside Boeing's 737 Rudder Servo Valve Malfunction and the Deadly Price of Denial reveals the untold story of a hidden design flaw in the rudder system that led to devastating crashes, reshaping the aviation industry forever.

Avery Miles presents a meticulously researched and compelling narrative of the Boeing 737's rudder servo valve malfunction-a subtle yet deadly defect in the hydraulic Power Control Unit (PCU) that caused uncommanded rudder movements. These malfunctions were responsible for multiple tragedies, including the fatal crashes of United Airlines Flight 585 and USAir Flight 427, as well as the near-miss of Eastwind Airlines Flight 517. Through vivid storytelling, Miles brings to life the harrowing moments of these flights, the tireless investigations that followed, and the corporate decisions that prioritized profit over safety.

Key Features and Insights:

The Accidents That Shocked the World
Explore the chilling details of United Airlines Flight 585, USAir Flight 427, and Eastwind Airlines Flight 517. Avery Miles recounts the final moments of these flights with a balance of technical accuracy and emotional depth, immersing readers in the gripping reality of what happens when systems fail at 30,000 feet.

A Hidden Flaw Uncovered
Dive into the mechanics of the rudder system and the Power Control Unit (PCU), dissecting the dual servo valve design flaw that lay dormant for years. Learn how a phenomenon known as thermal shock caused catastrophic rudder deflections and why these failures eluded detection during standard testing procedures.

The Struggle for Answers
Follow the National Transportation Safety Board's (NTSB) relentless pursuit to uncover the truth behind these crashes. Miles highlights the challenges investigators faced, from inconclusive flight data to Boeing's resistance in acknowledging design flaws.

Corporate Denial and Accountability
Uncover the corporate culture at Boeing during this turbulent period. This book examines the company's efforts to deflect blame, minimize liability, and protect its brand-actions that delayed critical safety improvements and eroded public trust in aviation.

Lessons for the Future
Discover how the lessons from the rudder servo valve crisis informed future aircraft designs and regulatory practices. The book draws parallels to more recent challenges in aviation, underscoring the importance of vigilance, accountability, and prioritizing safety over profits.

Out of Control is not just a story about technical failure-it's a story about human lives, corporate responsibility, and the relentless pursuit of truth in the face of denial. Avery Miles skillfully blends investigative journalism with a gripping narrative, making this book an essential read for aviation enthusiasts, industry professionals, and anyone interested in the intersection of technology, safety, and accountability.

Whether you're captivated by the inner workings of complex aircraft systems or moved by the stories of those who fought for change, Out of Control delivers a powerful, thought-provoking exploration of one of aviation's darkest chapters.