A Boeing plane operated by Southwest Airlines was forced to return to Denver International Airport on Sunday after an engine cowling fell off during takeoff and struck the 737-800’s wing flap.
Southwest Airlines Flight 3695 was heading to William P. Hobby Airport in Houston when the incident happened, according to the Federal Aviation Administration, which is investigating the incident. All passengers and crew on board were safe and the plane was towed to the gate after returning to the airport around 8:15 a.m. local time.
Southwest Airlines told KDVR, a local Fox affiliate, that its maintenance team is reviewing the plane.
The cowling is the removable cover of an airplane engine. Think that circular metal covering circling the engine. They are used to cool the engine and also reduce drag.
This is a developing story.