Engine cover on Southwest Boeing plane falls off, forcing flight to return to Denver
- Loss of engine cover on Southwest Boeing 737-800 prompts FAA investigation
- Plane made an emergency landing 25 minutes after take-off in Denver on Sunday
An engine cover on a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-800 fell off on Sunday during take-off in Denver and struck the wing flap, prompting the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to open an investigation.
No one was injured and Southwest Flight 3695 returned safely to Denver International Airport around 8.15am local time on Sunday and was towed to the gate after losing the engine cowling.
The Boeing aircraft bound for Houston Hobby airport with 135 passengers and six crew members aboard climbed to about 10,300 feet (3,140 metres) before returning 25 minutes after take-off.
Passengers arrived in Houston on another Southwest plane about four hours behind schedule. Southwest said maintenance teams are reviewing the aircraft.
The plane entered service in June 2015, according to FAA records. Boeing referred questions to Southwest.
The 737-800 is in the prior generation of the bestselling 737 known as the 737 NG, which in turn was replaced by the 737 Max.