Boeing plane engine cover falls investigation

US airline regulators investigate after engine cowling falls off Boeing 737-800 during take-off, raising concerns amid safety issues at Boeing.

Airline regulators in the United States have launched an investigation into a concerning incident involving a Boeing 737-800. During take-off, the engine cowling of the aircraft detached and struck a wing flap, prompting the Southwest Airlines flight to return safely to Denver International Airport. The flight, originally bound for Houston, had 135 passengers and six crew members on board and reached an altitude of 10,300 feet before landing.

This incident has raised further manufacturing and safety concerns surrounding Boeing aircraft. Southwest Airlines has stated that its maintenance teams will thoroughly inspect the Boeing 737-800, emphasizing the airline's commitment to prioritizing the safety of its customers and employees. The aircraft involved in the incident was manufactured in 2015, and it is an earlier generation model compared to the latest Max model.

The Boeing 737-800 is powered by CFM56 engines, while the 737 Max models utilize the CFM-Leap engine. Both engine types are produced by a joint venture between General Electric Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the Boeing aircraft was towed to the gate after landing, and Boeing declined to comment, directing inquiries to Southwest Airlines for information regarding the plane and fleet operations.

Following the incident, Southwest Airlines arranged for passengers to board another plane to Houston, albeit with a delay of approximately three hours. This incident adds to the ongoing scrutiny faced by Boeing, particularly after a mid-air blowout in January that led to a significant compensation payout to Alaska Air. Regulators had previously grounded nearly 200 Boeing 737 Max 9 jets due to safety concerns, further tarnishing Boeing's reputation following fatal crashes involving the 737 Max plane in recent years.

Boeing has been working diligently to restore confidence in its aircraft after the global grounding of the 737 Max planes for over 18 months. The aviation industry continues to closely monitor developments regarding Boeing aircraft to ensure the highest standards of safety and reliability are maintained.