Investigation Launched as Boeing Aircraft’s Engine Cover Detaches Mid-Flight
In a concerning incident, regulatory authorities in the United States have initiated an investigation after an engine cowling detached from a Boeing 737 800 during take-off, striking a wing flap.
The flight operated by Southwest Airlines safely returned to Denver International Airport around 08:15 local time (15:15 GMT) after it departed for Houston.
With 135 passengers and six crew members aboard, the aircraft encountered this unsettling event.
This occurrence unfolds against the backdrop of heightened scrutiny surrounding Boeing’s manufacturing and safety practices.
Southwest Airlines has announced that its maintenance teams will conduct a thorough examination of the Boeing 737-800, particularly focusing on the detached cowling, which encases the engine.
According to records from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the aircraft was manufactured in 2015, and the 737-800 represents an earlier iteration compared to the latest Max model.
Upon landing, the Boeing aircraft was towed to the gate, as confirmed by the FAA.
When approached by BBC News, Boeing opted not to provide comments, redirecting inquiries to Southwest Airlines for insights into their plane and fleet operations.
In response, Southwest Airlines has pledged to transport passengers to Houston via an alternate aircraft, albeit with a delay of approximately three hours.
This incident adds to the ongoing scrutiny faced by Boeing, following a harrowing mid-air blowout in January, wherein passengers narrowly escaped serious harm during a flight from Portland, Oregon, to California.
Furthermore, Boeing recently compensated Alaska Air with $160 million (£126 million) to mitigate losses incurred during an emergency.
Regulatory actions ensued temporarily grounding nearly 200 Boeing 737 Max 9 jets after an incident where a door plug detached from an Alaska aircraft shortly after take-off.
Boeing’s reputation continues to undergo repair efforts, following fatal crashes involving a different variant of the 737 Max aircraft in 2018 and 2019, resulting in the loss of 346 lives.
The grounding of its popular 737 Max planes persisted globally for over 18 months, marking a tumultuous period for the aviation giant.