Denver, Colorado – A Southwest Airlines flight bound for Houston experienced a harrowing incident on Sunday morning, forcing the plane to return to Denver after a removable sheet of metal covering one of the Boeing 737-800’s engines sheared off during takeoff. The Federal Aviation Administration reported that the engine cowling detached and struck one of the plane’s wing flaps.
A Southwest spokesperson confirmed that the incident was due to a mechanical issue, emphasizing the safety of the passengers and crew. The flight, numbered 3695, landed safely back at Denver International Airport after only 25 minutes in the air. Passengers were assured that they would reach Houston Hobby Airport, their intended destination, on another aircraft with just a slight delay.
The plane departed Denver around 7:49 a.m. local time en route to Houston before the issue occurred. It landed back in Denver at 8:14 a.m. and was towed to the gate for further inspection. Southwest Airlines expressed regret for the inconvenience caused by the delay, prioritizing the safety of their passengers and employees.
Images of the damaged engine show the extent of the issue, prompting an investigation by the FAA. Boeing, the aircraft manufacturer, directed all inquiries to Southwest Airlines as the investigation continues. The incident has sparked concerns about aviation safety and prompted a thorough review by maintenance teams to prevent future occurrences.
As investigations unfold, passengers and industry experts are eager to understand the root cause of the engine malfunction and the steps taken to ensure the safety of future flights. Southwest Airlines continues to cooperate with authorities to provide a thorough understanding of the incident and prevent similar occurrences in the future.