Airline regulators in the United States have initiated an investigation after a Boeing 737-800 experienced an engine cowling detachment during take-off. The loose piece ended up striking a wing flap.
The Southwest Airlines flight safely returned to Denver International Airport around 08:15 local time (15:15 GMT) after initially departing for Houston.
With 135 passengers and six crew members aboard, the aircraft ascended to approximately 10,300 feet (3,140m) before landing.
This incident occurs against a backdrop of ongoing manufacturing and safety apprehensions concerning Boeing.
Southwest Airlines announced that its maintenance teams would conduct a thorough review of the Boeing 737-800, whose cowling, covering the engine, dislodged. The airline confirmed its responsibility for maintaining such components.
“We regret the inconvenience caused by the delay, prioritizing the utmost safety for our customers and employees,” the airline stated.
According to records from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the aircraft was manufactured in 2015. The 737-800 represents an earlier iteration of the 737, distinct from the latest Max model.
The aircraft involved in this incident was equipped with CFM56 engines, while the 737 Max models employ the CFM-Leap engine, both manufactured by a joint venture between General Electric Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines.
Following landing, the FAA reported that the Boeing aircraft was towed to the gate.
Boeing declined to provide comment to BBC News, redirecting inquiries to Southwest for details on the airline’s aircraft and fleet operations.
Southwest disclosed that affected passengers would be accommodated on another flight to Houston, albeit approximately three hours behind schedule.
Boeing has faced increased scrutiny, particularly since a dramatic mid-air blowout in January, where passengers narrowly escaped serious injury on a flight from Portland, Oregon, to California.
Recently, Boeing agreed to compensate Alaska Air with $160 million (£126 million) for losses incurred during the emergency.
Regulators temporarily grounded nearly 200 Boeing 737 Max 9 jets subsequent to a door plug detachment incident on an Alaska aircraft shortly after take-off.
Boeing has been striving to restore its reputation following fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019 involving a different variant of the 737 Max aircraft, resulting in the loss of 346 lives. The popular 737 Max planes were globally grounded for over 18 months.
