The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that a Southwest Airlines flight from Denver had to return to the airport after part of the engine fell off during takeoff, striking the wing flap of the Boeing 737. The flight, Southwest 3695, landed back at Denver International Airport with no reported injuries. The plane, which was scheduled to land in Houston, was towed to the gate after the incident. Video footage shared on social media shows the engine cover barely attached as the crew lands the plane.
In a surprising addition to the incident, a Southwest flight from Lubbock, Texas, also had to return to its gate on Thursday after the flight crew reported a possible engine fire. This adds to the recent string of incidents involving Southwest Airlines flights and raises concerns about the safety of Boeing 737 aircraft. The incident comes at a time of scrutiny for Boeing, with the recent grounding of 737 Max jets following crashes caused by faulty flight control systems in 2018 and 2019.
Boeing has faced criticism and investigations after multiple incidents involving their aircraft, including the recent Southwest Airlines engine failure. In January, an Alaska Airlines incident led to a nationwide grounding of Boeing 737 Max 9 jets in the U.S. The incident was caused by missing bolts attaching the door plug to the aircraft. The NTSB conducted an investigation into the Alaska Airlines incident, adding to the list of investigations into Boeing aircraft safety. The incidents have raised concerns about the overall safety and maintenance of Boeing planes.
The recent attention on Boeing and Southwest Airlines incidents highlights the ongoing safety concerns within the aviation industry. With multiple incidents involving engine failures and missing bolts, questions are being raised about the overall maintenance and safety protocols for Boeing aircraft. The grounding of 737 Max jets in 2019 and subsequent investigations have further highlighted the need for stricter safety regulations and maintenance practices within the aviation industry.
As Southwest Airlines continues to face incidents with their flights, including the recent engine failure and possible engine fire, passengers are left questioning the safety of airline travel. The FAA continues to investigate the incidents and work with Boeing to ensure the safety of their aircraft. With ongoing scrutiny on Boeing and Southwest Airlines, the aviation industry is facing challenges in maintaining public trust and ensuring the safety of all passengers.
