DENVER- During takeoff in Denver on Sunday, an engine cover on a Southwest Airlines (WN) Boeing 737-800 detached and struck the wing flap, prompting an investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and Southwest Flight 3695 safely returned to Denver International Airport (DEN) around 8:15 a.m. local time (1415 GMT) on Sunday. After losing the engine cowling, the aircraft was towed to the gate.
Southwest 737 Engine Cover Loss
The Boeing aircraft, carrying 135 passengers and six crew members, was en route to Houston Hobby Airport (HOU). It had climbed to an altitude of about 10,300 feet (3,140 m) before returning approximately 25 minutes after takeoff.
Passengers eventually reached Houston on another Southwest plane, albeit about four hours behind schedule. Southwest stated that maintenance teams are currently assessing the aircraft. According to FAA records, the aircraft entered service in June 2015.
The 737-800 belongs to the previous generation of the highly popular 737 series, known as the 737 NG, which the 737 MAX subsequently succeeded.
A video aired by ABC News, originally posted on social media platform X, depicted the torn engine cover flapping in the wind, prominently displaying a damaged Southwest logo.
Boeing has faced significant scrutiny following an incident where a door plug panel detached from a new Alaska Airlines (AS) 737 MAX 9 aircraft at 16,000 feet on January 5.
In response to the incident, the FAA temporarily grounded the MAX 9, prohibited Boeing from increasing the MAX production rate, and mandated the development of a comprehensive plan to address “systemic quality-control issues” within a 90-day period.
Boeing’s production has declined below the maximum permitted 38 MAX planes per month set by the FAA. Additionally, the Justice Department has initiated a criminal investigation into the MAX 9 incident.
Similar Engine Related Incidents
In December, the FAA proposed enforcing mandatory inspections and component replacements for engine housing on Boeing 737 NG aircraft following a fatal fan blade incident involving Southwest Airlines in 2018.
These directives necessitate operators to conduct inspections and replace specific components on the engine cowling by July 2028. The National Transportation Safety Board urged Boeing to redesign the fan cowling structure in 2019 following the aforementioned incident.
The FAA is currently investigating several recent engine-related incidents involving Southwest’s fleet of Boeing aircraft.
On Thursday, a Southwest 737-800 flight aborted takeoff and returned to the gate at Lubbock airport in Texas due to reported engine issues. Additionally, the FAA is probing a March 25 incident involving a Southwest 737 flight that returned to Austin airport in Texas following crew reports of a potential engine issue.
Another incident on March 22 involved a Southwest 737-800 flight returning to Fort Lauderdale airport after the crew reported an engine issue. This incident is also under review by the FAA.
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