Denver, Colorado – Airline regulators in the United States have launched an investigation after a Boeing 737-800 experienced an engine cowling failure during takeoff and struck a wing flap.
The Southwest Airlines flight, carrying 135 passengers and six crew members, safely returned to Denver International Airport after departing for Houston. The incident occurred at approximately 08:15 local time.
Following the incident, Southwest Airlines announced that their maintenance teams would inspect the Boeing 737-800 to determine the cause of the cowling detachment. The airline emphasized their commitment to ensuring the safety of their customers and employees above all else.
This incident comes at a challenging time for Boeing, as the aviation industry continues to monitor manufacturing and safety concerns within the company. Southwest Airlines acknowledged their responsibility for the maintenance of the aircraft’s components and expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to passengers.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) records indicate that the aircraft involved in the incident was manufactured in 2015. Additionally, the plane was equipped with CFM56 engines, a different type than the CFM-Leap engines used in the 737 Max models.
Following the landing, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the Boeing aircraft was towed to the gate for further inspection. Boeing, when contacted for comment, deferred inquiries to Southwest Airlines regarding their fleet operations and aircraft maintenance.
Boeing has faced growing scrutiny since a mid-air incident in January involving a dramatic blowout on a flight between Portland, Oregon, and California. The company has been working to restore its reputation after previous crashes involving the 737 Max model resulted in the grounding of the aircraft for over 18 months globally.
As concerns around manufacturing and safety persist in the aviation industry, regulators and airlines are closely monitoring incidents like the one involving the Boeing 737-800 to ensure the continued safety of air travel. Southwest Airlines has reassured passengers of their commitment to safety and transparency as they investigate the incident further.