Y do B737 Crab?

[KoruLounge]

Why do Boeing 737 crab during taxi? I've observe this on several occasions even in nil wind conditions!

[ADFS]

Its built-in

I believe this is an aerodynamic equation in its design..thus while taxying it appears to be off wack. Once airborne the 737 is one helluva arrow! Good question !

[LateLandingClearance]

I've always noticed this and wondered the same thing.

I ended up just putting it down to the fact that it ensures that the captain is always that one step ahead of the F/O

[Quidnunc]

The main wheels have 2 - 3 degrees left/right play in them, so if the a/c lands in a cross wind the mains may be out at their limit. When taxying it then appears that the a/c is crabbing. The wheels are straight straight down the taxy way, but the fuselage looks (and is) a couple of degrees out of alignment.