In another Boeing mishap, engine cover of Southwest Airlines’ Houston-bound flight rips off during takeoff

Texas, US

In yet another Boeing mishap incident, a Southwest Airlines flight bound for Houston had to undergo an emergency landing at Denver International Airport after its engine cover appeared to have ripped off during takeoff on Sunday (Apr 7), media reports said citing authorities.

This came to light after a passenger on flight 3695 sent a video to a US media portal. The video purportedly showed the engine's cover tearing off. As the plane was about to take off, the cover was striking the aircraft's wing flap as it lifted off the ground.

ABC News quoting one of the passengers who were aboard the plane described the experience as "frightening." 

The passenger reportedly said, "People in the exit row across from me started yelling at the flight attendants and showing them the damage. We turned around and made a full-speed landing. The pilots did a great job on the landing." 

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This is not an isolated incident where Boeing planes faced mishaps. An Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft, in January this year, underwent an emergency landing in Portland when its door panel blew off mid-flight.

Later, in another such incident, another Boeing 737 had to make an emergency landing in Houston, Texas, on March 4 due to an engine fire shortly after takeoff.

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In the latest incident where the engine cover ripped off, the Federal Aviation Association (FAA) reported that the Boeing 737-800 aircraft made the emergency landing at around 8:15 am. It was later towed back to the gate.

Passengers boarded another plane

All passengers were examined and cleared by the local fire department and then they boarded another plane to Houston's William P Hobby Airport.

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The flight, as per media reports, is expected to reach Houston at 1:55 pm local time. Officials said that the incident will be probed into. 

(With inputs from agencies)