Denver, Colorado – A Southwest Airlines flight was forced to make an emergency landing on Sunday morning after experiencing a harrowing incident during takeoff. The engine cover of the Boeing 737-800 aircraft detached mid-flight, prompting an investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The flight, originally bound for Houston, Texas, from Denver International Airport, landed safely back in Denver at 8:00 a.m. Passengers reported that the engine cowling fell off during takeoff, striking the wing flap. Southwest Airlines confirmed that the flight landed safely after encountering a mechanical issue.
Passengers onboard shared footage showing part of the plane hanging off and flapping in the wind. One passenger described feeling a jolt and looking out the window to see the frightening sight. Another passenger praised the pilot for safely landing the aircraft despite the engine cover detachment.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety and maintenance of aircraft, with FAA launching a thorough investigation into the matter. Despite the scare, passengers were accommodated on other flights as maintenance crews inspected the plane for any further issues.
Southwest Airlines reassured the public that safety is their top priority and that they are working closely with authorities to address the incident. The airline is known for its commitment to passenger safety and will be taking necessary precautions to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Overall, the ordeal serves as a reminder of the potential risks associated with air travel and the importance of rigorous maintenance checks to ensure the safety of passengers and crew members. As investigations continue, Southwest Airlines will be implementing any necessary changes to prevent such incidents from occurring again.