The Federal Aviation Administration announced on Sunday that it will be conducting an investigation following an incident where the engine cowling of a Southwest Airlines plane detached during takeoff in Denver and struck the wing flap. The engine cowling serves as a protective cover for the plane’s engine.
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Southwest Airlines Flight 3695 safely returned to Denver International Airport at around 8:15 a.m. local time on Sunday after the pilot reported the incident, according to the FAA. The flight was en route to William P. Hobby Airport in Houston.
In a statement, Southwest Airlines mentioned that they are arranging for customers to continue their journey to Houston on another aircraft after Flight 3695 landed safely in Denver. The airline’s maintenance teams are currently inspecting the aircraft.
This marks the second recent incident involving reported equipment malfunctions on a Southwest Airlines flight. The FAA is also investigating an engine fire incident prior to takeoff at Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport on Thursday.
Jay Blackman contributed.
