Boeing plane engine cover falls off prompting investigation

A Boeing 737-800 plane experienced an engine cowling detachment during take-off, leading to an investigation by airline regulators in the US. The incident occurred as the Southwest Airlines flight, carrying 135 passengers and six crew members, was en route to Houston. The aircraft safely returned to Denver International airport following the detachment, prompting concerns over Boeing’s manufacturing and safety standards.

Southwest Airlines confirmed that its maintenance teams would conduct a thorough review of the Boeing 737-800, emphasizing their commitment to prioritizing customer and employee safety. The plane, manufactured in 2015, is an earlier model of the 737 series, preceding the Max model. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that the aircraft was towed to the gate upon landing.

Boeing declined to provide a statement when approached by BBC News, redirecting inquiries to Southwest Airlines for details regarding the incident and fleet operations. As a result of the detachment, Southwest Airlines announced a three-hour delay for passengers traveling to Houston, with plans to accommodate them on another plane.

This occurrence adds to Boeing’s recent challenges, including a mid-air blowout in January and subsequent compensatory payments to affected airlines. Regulators had temporarily grounded nearly 200 Boeing 737 Max 9 jets after an Alaska Air aircraft experienced a door plug detachment shortly after take-off. Boeing has been striving to restore its reputation following fatal crashes in 2018 and 2019 involving a different version of the 737 Max, which led to a global grounding of the popular 737 Max planes for over 18 months.

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