A Southwest Airlines flight was forced to make an emergency landing after an engine part fell off during takeoff from Denver International Airport on Sunday morning. The Boeing 737-800 plane was en route to William P. Hobby Airport in Houston when the engine cowling detached and struck the wing flap. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the incident and stated that the flight returned safely to Denver and that an investigation is ongoing.
Southwest Airlines released a statement apologizing for the delay and emphasizing their commitment to safety for passengers and employees. Boeing, the manufacturer of the aircraft, referred inquiries to Southwest for information on their fleet operations.
This is not the first incident involving Boeing planes in Denver this year. United Airlines flights have also been forced to divert to Denver due to various mechanical issues, including engine problems and wing malfunctions. The ongoing safety concerns surrounding Boeing's 737 Max planes have impacted airlines like United, with reduced deliveries and the need for pilots to take unpaid time off due to manufacturing delays.
Boeing recently paid Alaska Airlines $160 million in compensation following a mid-air blowout incident involving a Boeing 737-9 Max aircraft. Alaska Airlines reported a loss of approximately $160 million in pretax profit in the first quarter due to the incident and subsequent grounding of the aircraft.
The FAA has increased oversight of United Airlines and may pause some certifications as investigations into Boeing and its suppliers continue. The exact amount and terms of additional compensation from Boeing to Alaska Airlines are still unknown at this time.
Overall, these incidents highlight the ongoing challenges faced by airlines and aircraft manufacturers in ensuring the safety and reliability of commercial flights. The FAA's regulatory actions and ongoing investigations aim to address these issues and prevent future incidents from occurring.