NEW DELHI: The engine cover of a Boeing737-800 jet with 141 aboard on Sunday broke off during takeoff in Denver, striking the wing flap, prompting the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to launch an inquiry.
No causalities were reported with the Southwest Flight 3695 safely returning to Denver International Airport at 8.15am local time on Sunday, being hauled to the gate after losing its engine cowling.
The plane reached a height of around 10,300 feet (3,140 meters) before returning 25 minutes after takeoff.
Passengers arrived in Houston on another Southwest flight almost four hours late. Southwest stated its maintenance personnel are reviewing the aircraft.
However, the airline refused to comment on when the plane’s engine had last been serviced.
Boeing has faced widespread criticism after a door plug panel tore off a new Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 jet at 16,000 feet on January 5.
Following the incident, the FAA grounded the MAX 9 for several weeks, restricted Boeing from raising MAX production rates, and required them to develop a detailed plan to solve “systemic quality-control issues” within 90 days.
On Thursday, a Southwest 737 flight aborted takeoff and returned to the gate at Lubbock Airport in Texas after the crew reported engine troubles. The FAA is also looking into a March 25 Southwest 737 flight that returned to the Austin airport in Texas after the crew reported an engine problem.
A Southwest 737-800 flight on March 22 returned to Fort Lauderdale airport after the crew reported an engine problem. It is also being reviewed by the FAA.
(With inputs from agencies)