After a Boeing 737-800's engine cowling came off during takeoff and hit a wing flap, the United States airline authorities started a new inquiry.
Boeing is still recovering from production and safety issues at the time of the incident.
Southwest Airlines Flight Makes Emergency Landing After Boeing Plane's Engine Part Came off
At around 08:15 local time (15:15 GMT) on Sunday morning, Apr. 7, the Southwest Airlines aircraft that had departed for Houston successfully returned to Denver International Airport, according to BBC. The aircraft was escorted to the gate after it touched down.
On board were 135 passengers and six staff members. Prior to landing, the aircraft ascended to an altitude of about 10,300 feet (3,140 meters).
The airline said a different jet, operating about three hours behind schedule, will transport the travelers to Houston.
Southwest Airlines has said that its maintenance crews will examine the Boeing plane after the engine cowling came off. The airline acknowledged that it was in charge of maintaining certain components.
"We apologise for the inconvenience of their delay, but place our highest priority on ultimate safety for our customers and employees," a company spokesperson said.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) data show that the jet was produced in 2015, and the 737-800 is an older variant of the 737 compared to the most recent Max type.
Boeing Continues to Face Challenges With Production and Safety Concerns
Boeing has been scrutinized after a catastrophic mid-air burst in January when passengers on a flight from Oregon to California barely avoided major damage.
Almost immediately after takeoff, a door plug dropped from an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9, prompting regulators to suspend roughly 200 of these planes temporarily.
It was revealed on Friday that Boeing had compensated Alaska Airlines for costs incurred after the disaster by giving the airline $160 million.
Boeing has spent years attempting to restore public trust after two disasters with the 737 Max, which claimed the lives of 346 people in 2018 and 2019. The company's widely used 737 Max jets were later grounded for almost 18 months worldwide.
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