In the latest chapter of the Boeing 737 Max saga, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is now investigating substantial damage to a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 Max caused by a Dutch roll incident. The incident took place at cruising altitude—reported at either 38,000 feet or 32,000 feet, because exact figures seem optional when you're soaring through the stratosphere (NY Post).

This joyous ride for passengers happened on May 25 during a flight from Phoenix to Oakland (NBC, NY Post). The aircraft, with flight number N8825Q, carried 175 passengers and six crew members who, one could imagine, were thinking about their seat preferences or meal options rather than the aviation term Dutch roll (NBC, NY Post). For those wondering, Dutch roll is not a trendy new snack but a lateral asymmetric movement where the plane’s tail yaws and the wings rock side to side—essentially an airborne tug-of-war that no one signs up for willingly (NBC, NY Post).

Despite the chaos, the plane managed to land safely in Oakland with no injuries reported, allowing passengers to cherish their survival instincts over untimely in-flight workouts (NBC, NY Post). Post-flight inspections revealed damage to the standby power-control unit (PCU), a part name that basically screams "you dodged a bullet" (NBC, NY Post).

The FAA, Boeing, and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are now working together to investigate the cause of the incident (NY Post). Given Boeing 737 Max's tumultuous history—from panel blow-outs to intense scrutiny from the Justice Department—this bump in the flight path adds another layer of complexity to its storied past (NBC, NY Post).

The FAA has vowed to take "appropriate action" based on the investigation’s findings (NY Post). Meanwhile, Boeing and Southwest Airlines have politely declined to comment, perhaps taking the "silence is golden" approach in crisis management (NY Post).

Interestingly, the passengers' unharmed return to solid ground serves as a testament to the pilots' adept skill. While successfully bringing down a rebellious aircraft might not win you a dance contest trophy, it certainly earns some high-altitude applause.

Meanwhile, the incident has shed some light on the arcane but crucial concept of Dutch roll. For the unacquainted, it's a curious cocktail of yawing and rocking that brings a whole new meaning to the phrase "rock the boat" (NBC, NY Post).

In essence, this event underscores the unpredictable nature of air travel. While the FAA investigates and aviation experts ponder over the technicalities, passengers can savor their return to earth, thankful for dodging an in-flight dance-off. Because, let’s be honest, nobody wants to spill their ginger ale while trying to master a Dutch roll at 38,000—or is it 32,000—feet.