Boeing engine part fell off during Southwest flight takeoff, FAA says – NBC Chicago

• A Southwest Airlines flight returned to Denver International Airport after a Boeing engine cowling fell from the plane and hit a wing flap during takeoff, the Federal Aviation Administration said.
• The flight’s customers were transferred to another plane and were expected to arrive at their destination in Houston three hours late.
• Southwest and Boeing both face regulatory investigations for separate safety incidents, which have triggered headwinds for their businesses.

A Southwest Airlines flight returned to Denver International Airport Sunday morning after a Boeing engine cowling fell from the plane and struck a wing flap during takeoff, the Federal Aviation Administration said.

The Boeing 737-800 plane was en route to Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport. Southwest said customers on the flight were transferred to another plane and were expected to arrive at their destination three hours late.

In response to a request for comment, Boeing highlighted Southwest’s statement.

“Our maintenance teams are examining the aircraft,” Southwest said.

The plane’s malfunction comes as the FAA is investigating Southwest for a separate incident in March. In that incident, a Southwest flight veered off course and approached the air traffic control tower at LaGuardia Airport while attempting to land in New York.

Meanwhile, Boeing is busy ramping up regulatory oversight after an incident in January in which one of its plane’s doors flew off in the middle of an Alaska Airlines flight.

The company’s quality control problems have turned into safety concerns for both Boeing and airlines such as Southwest that use its planes.

Boeing’s deliveries have slowed in recent months and the FAA’s long-awaited certification of its 737 Max 10 model faces continued delays. The company’s chief executive, Dave Calhoun, announced in March that he would resign, along with several other management changes.

Both Southwest and United Airlines said Boeing’s problems were spilling over into their own businesses, forcing them to cut back on flying and hiring.