A striking video has emerged online depicting a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 encountering engine trouble during takeoff. This occurrence contributes to a string of challenges faced by Boeing, heightening concerns over aircraft safety. The flight promptly returned to Denver after the crew observed a loose metal sheet covering one of the engine compartments becoming detached during takeoff, undoubtedly causing distress for those aboard.
In the aftermath of a recent ground collision between a Virgin Atlantic Boeing 787 and a British Airways Airbus A350 at London’s Heathrow Airport on April 7, a disturbing video surfaced on X, showcasing the engine of the Boeing 737-800 fracturing mid-flight. Shared by ABC’s chief transportation reporter Sam Sweeney, the footage captures the metal engine cover tearing off and fluttering like paper as the aircraft prepares for departure. This incident, as reported by ABC News, resulted in a harrowing experience for passengers as the detached cover collided with the aircraft’s wing flap.
Scary moments for passengers on a Southwest flight from Denver to Houston when the engine cover ripped off during flight , forcing the plane to return to Denver Sunday morning. pic.twitter.com/BBpCBXpTsl
— Sam Sweeney (@SweeneyABC) April 7, 2024
According to a passenger quoted by ABC News, “People in the exit row across from me started yelling at the flight attendants and showing them the damage. We turned around and made a full-speed landing. The pilots did a great job on the landing.”
The flight departed from Denver International Airport at 7:49 AM local time, en route to Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport. Approximately 25 minutes after takeoff, the aircraft returned to Denver International Airport. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently investigating the incident.
Following the event, the FAA issued a statement clarifying that “an engine cowling had detached from the aircraft and struck one of the plane’s wing flaps.” A Southwest spokesperson attributed the mishap to a ‘mechanical issue’ with the aircraft, which, according to FAA records, was manufactured in 2017. This occurrence adds to a series of mid-flight incidents for the company, prompting growing concerns.
A Southwest spokesperson informed, “Southwest Flight 3695 returned to Denver International Airport this morning and landed safely after experiencing a mechanical issue. Our Customers will arrive at Houston Hobby on another aircraft, approximately three hours behind schedule.”
Boeing and the airline industry have been under scrutiny since January, when an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 made an emergency landing in Portland, Oregon, following the detachment of a door panel mid-flight.
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