On Sunday, a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-800 experienced an engine cover detachment during takeoff at Denver International Airport. The engine cover fell off and struck the wing flap, prompting the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to open an investigation into the incident. Fortunately, no one was injured, and the plane returned safely to the airport. The aircraft was bound for Houston Hobby airport with 135 passengers and six crew members on board. Passengers eventually arrived in Houston on another Southwest plane, but they were about four hours behind schedule.
Southwest Airlines has stated that their maintenance teams are currently reviewing the aircraft to determine the cause of the engine cover detachment. The Boeing 737-800 entered service in June 2015, according to FAA records. Boeing has referred all questions regarding the incident to Southwest Airlines.
This particular model of the Boeing 737-800 is part of the prior generation known as the 737 NG, which has since been replaced by the 737 MAX. It’s worth noting that Boeing has faced significant criticism and scrutiny following a similar incident involving a door plug panel tearing off a new Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 jet in January. This incident led to the grounding of the MAX 9 by the FAA, as well as a comprehensive plan being developed by Boeing to address quality-control issues within 90 days.
In response to previous incidents involving the Boeing 737 NG airplanes, the FAA proposed mandating engine housing inspections and component replacements. These directives would require operators to inspect and replace certain components on the engine cowling by July 2028. The National Transportation Safety Board also called on Boeing in 2019 to redesign the fan cowling structure after a fatal fan blade incident involving a Southwest flight in 2018.
The FAA is currently investigating several other recent engine issues on Southwest’s fleet of Boeing planes. Just last week, a Southwest 737-800 flight had to abort takeoff and return to the gate at Lubbock airport in Texas due to engine issues. Additionally, a Southwest 737 flight on March 25 returned to the Austin airport in Texas after the crew reported a possible engine issue, and another flight on March 22 returned to Fort Lauderdale airport for the same reason.
These incidents raise concerns about the safety and maintenance of Southwest’s fleet of Boeing planes. While investigations are ongoing, it is crucial for both Southwest and Boeing to address these issues promptly and ensure the safety of their passengers. The FAA’s proposed directives for engine housing inspections and component replacements are a step in the right direction, but further measures may be necessary to prevent future incidents.
Passengers who rely on airlines for safe and reliable transportation deserve to have confidence in the aircraft they are flying on. It is essential for both the FAA and the airlines to prioritize safety and implement necessary changes to prevent engine issues and other potential hazards. As investigations continue, it remains to be seen what actions will be taken to address these concerns and ensure the well-being of passengers aboard Southwest flights.
