Southwest 737 Engine Cover Loss After Takeoff - Aviation A2Z

Southwest 737 Engine Cover Loss After Takeoff

By: Aviation A2Z

1. A Southwest Boeing 737 experienced engine cover loss during flight, forcing it to return to the airport approximately 25 minutes after takeoff.

2. The incident occurred when the aircraft was en route to Houston Hobby Airport, carrying 135 passengers and six crew members.

3. Passengers reached Houston on another Southwest plane, but about four hours behind schedule.

4. The aircraft involved in the incident entered service in June 2015 and belongs to the 737 series, known as the 737 NG.

5. In response, the FAA temporarily grounded the MAX 9, limited Boeing's production rate, and initiated a criminal investigation into the incident.

6. Boeing faced scrutiny following a separate incident involving a door plug panel detachment from an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 aircraft.