A startling incident unfolded on Sunday when an engine cover detached from a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-800 during takeoff in Denver. The cover struck the wing flap, leading the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to launch a thorough investigation.
Remarkably, no passengers or crew were injured. Southwest Flight 3695 safely returned to Denver International Airport at approximately 8:15 a.m. local time and was subsequently towed to the gate after the loss of the engine cowling.
The aircraft, en route to Houston Hobby Airport with 135 passengers and six crew members, ascended to about 10,300 feet before making the return 25 minutes after takeoff. Passengers reached Houston on a different Southwest flight approximately four hours behind schedule. In response, Southwest's maintenance teams are currently reviewing the affected aircraft.
FAA records indicate the plane entered service in June 2015. While Boeing has directed inquiries to Southwest, the airline has not disclosed when the engine last underwent maintenance.
Social media buzzed with ABC News sharing a video on platform X showing the torn engine cover fluttering in the wind, bearing a ripped Southwest logo. This incident adds to Boeing’s recent challenges, following a January incident where a door plug panel detached from an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 at 16,000 feet.
In the wake of that event, the FAA grounded the MAX 9 for several weeks, restricted Boeing's production rates, and mandated a comprehensive quality-control overhaul within 90 days. The Justice Department has also initiated a criminal investigation into the MAX 9 incident.
Moreover, the FAA is currently examining multiple recent engine issues reported by Southwest, including incidents in Texas where flights returned shortly after takeoff due to potential engine problems.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
