Maintenance procedure lapse left gust damage to 737 Max undetected

A Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 Max was released to service following an operational test where maintenance personnel failed to adhere to correct procedures for the standby hydraulic system. This oversight resulted in damage to the aircraft’s vertical fin and rudder control unit, specifically caused by a gust. Operational tests were conducted after the release of the jet to service. The issue remained undetected during the testing phase. Following this lapse in procedure, Southwest Airlines subsequently returned the 737 Max to operation.