Boeing plane makes emergency landing in US after engine cover detaches mid-flight
PTC News Desk: Newly released air traffic control recordings shed light on the harrowing experience aboard a Boeing passenger plane in the United States, which was compelled to execute an emergency landing on Sunday following the detachment of its engine cover during takeoff.
In the recorded air traffic control dialogue, a pilot aboard the Southwest Airlines flight reported that “several passengers and flight attendants heard something loud hit the wing,” signaling the onset of the critical situation. Videos circulated widely on social media platforms depicted the engine cover, having separated from the aircraft, becoming ensnared on the wing and flapping precariously in the wind.
JUST IN: Audio released after Southwest Airlines Flight 3695 was forced to make an emergency landing after its engine cowling detached during takeoff.
The pilot can be heard calling for an emergency landing.
The Boeing 737-800s engine cowling detached and “struck the wing… pic.twitter.com/gQLg41CLY9 — Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) April 7, 2024
An air traffic control official could be heard directing urgent measures, stating, "Let's go ahead and declare an emergency for Southwest 3695, and we'd like an immediate return. We've got a piece of the engine cowling hanging off apparently."
The Boeing 737-800, carrying over 130 passengers en route to Houston, promptly initiated its return to Denver International Airport approximately 10 minutes after takeoff. Subsequently, the aircraft was towed to the gate for a comprehensive inspection by a Southwest Airlines maintenance team.
Also Read: Congress' DNA inclined towards curfew and catering biryani to terrorists: Yogi Adityanath
Also Read: Know why India's solar satellite won't witness today's total solar eclipse
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the incident, stating, "Southwest Airlines Flight 3695 returned safely to Denver International Airport...after the pilot reported the engine cowling fell off during takeoff and struck the wing flap." The FAA has initiated an investigation into the matter, aiming to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the engine cover detachment.
This event unfolds against a backdrop of recent safety concerns surrounding Boeing aircraft. In January, a door panel detachment occurred on a Boeing 737 Max 9 during an Alaska Airlines flight, prompting the FAA to ground the MAX 9 fleet and order a comprehensive review of Boeing's quality control protocols. Subsequently, in February, the FAA announced plans for enhanced inspections of Boeing aircraft in response to safety imperatives.
Also Read: Karnataka police seize Rs 5 cr cash and 106 Kg of jewellery in pre-election crackdown
Also Read: Ranbir Kapoor treats Alia Bhatt to a drive in their new Rs 8 crore Bentley: Catch a glimpse!
(Inputs from agencies)
-
