A Boeing 737 operated by Southwest Airlines had to turn around mid-flight after an engine cowling was torn off on Sunday. This is the latest incident in a series of problems encountered by Boeing planes.
Southwest Airlines told Business Insider in a statement that Flight 3695 returned to Denver International Airport and landed safely after experiencing a “mechanical issue.” The airline said its maintenance team was examining the plane.
“Our customers will arrive at Houston Hobby on another plane, approximately three hours late,” Southwest said in the release. “We apologize for the inconvenience caused by their delay, but place our highest priority on the ultimate safety of our customers and employees.”
Video of the incident shared online shows a section of the plane’s engine cowling – a panel that covers the engine – tearing off the plane.
Scary moments for passengers on a southwest flight from Denver to Houston when the engine cover tore off during the flight, forcing the plane to return to Denver Sunday morning. pic.twitter.com/BBpCBXpTsl
–Sam Sweeney (@SweeneyABC) April 7, 2024
FAA records indicate the plane was registered in February 2017. That registration expires in 2030.
In January, the Federal Aviation Administration grounded 171 Boeing 737 Max 9s after a section of Alaska Airlines’ fuselage – a plug that was previously a door – tore off mid-flight.
The FAA said in a statement at the time that each plane would have to undergo an eight-hour safety inspection before being allowed to carry passengers again.
Boeing CEO Steve Mollenkopf has contacted several airlines directly following the company’s recent struggles, Bloomberg reported.
The FAA told Business Insider in a statement that it was investigating the incident. Boeing declined to comment when contacted by BI on Sunday.
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