Investigation prompted when the engine cover of a Boeing jet falls off
US airline authorities have launched an inquiry following the loss of an engine cowling of a Boeing 737-800 during takeoff, which resulted in damage to a wing flap.
After leaving for Houston, the Southwest Airlines flight arrived back at Denver International airport safely about 8:15 local time (15:15 GMT).
Before landing, the aircraft, which carried 135 passengers and 6 crew members, ascended to a height of roughly 10,300 feet (3,140 meters).
The event occurs at a time when Boeing is facing manufacturing and safety issues.
After the cowling, which protects the engine of the Boeing 737-800, broke off, Southwest Airlines announced that its repair crews would examine the aircraft. The airline acknowledged that it was in charge of maintaining these parts.
“We apologise for the inconvenience of their delay, but place our highest priority on ultimate safety for our customers and employees,” read a statement.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) records show that the aircraft was built in 2015. The 737-800 is an earlier version of the 737 from the most recent Max type.
The CFM-Leap engine powers 737 Max models, whereas the CFM56 engine powers the aircraft involved in the most recent incident. Both are produced by a joint venture between Safran Aircraft Engines and General Electric Aerospace.
The Boeing plane landed, according to the FAA, and was hauled to the gate.
When contacted by BBC News, Boeing declined to comment, directing inquiries regarding the airline’s aircraft and fleet operations to Southwest.
According to Southwest, passengers will arrive in Houston approximately three hours later on a different aircraft.
Following a catastrophic mid-air blowout in January that left passengers on a flight from Portland, Oregon, to California only inches from grave injury, Boeing has been under intense scrutiny.
It was revealed on Friday that Boeing had compensated Alaska Air for costs incurred after the disaster by giving the airline $160 million (£126 million).
Soon after takeoff, a door stopper fell off an Alaskan Boeing 737 Max 9, causing regulators to briefly ground nearly 200 of the aircraft.
After crashes involving a different version of the 737 Max airliner in 2018 and 2019 that claimed 346 lives, Boeing has been working for years to restore its reputation.
Following that, the company’s well-liked 737 Max aircraft were grounded worldwide for more than 18 months.