Watch: Flight Makes Emergency Landing After Engine Cover Falls Off During Takeoff – News18

A startling video has appeared online, showing the engine of a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 ripping apart during takeoff. This incident is the latest in a string of mishaps for Boeing, prompting further concerns about aviation safety. The plane was initially bound for Houston with 135 passengers and 6 staff members on board.

The incident occurred on April 7 at Denver International Airport, when the Federal Aviation Administration reported that the engine cowling separated, forcing the Houston-bound airliner to make an emergency landing.

As soon as the crew realised a loose metal sheet covering one of the aircraft’s engines had been ripped off during takeoff, the flight quickly returned to Denver. For the people on board, it was a horrific experience. The metal engine cover is seen breaking off and flapping in a widely shared video. None of the passengers were hurt, and the plane made a safe return to Denver International Airport.

“Currently, emergency crews and authorities are on the scene after a Boeing 737-800 Southwest Airlines Flight WN3695/SWA3695 departing from Denver International Airport bound for Houston, Texas, experienced an incident during takeoff,” an X user wrote while sharing the chilling video. Further in his tweet, he informed that the pilots on board announced an emergency landing to air traffic control after reporting that a portion of the engine cowling had separated and was dangling off.

Watch the video here:

According to reports, the aircraft reached an altitude of around 10,300 feet (3,140 metres) before being compelled to land safely back at Denver International Airport. After landing, it was hauled to the gate.

The plane’s blue cowling can be seen tearing off the engine and bending in the wind in another video that was taken through a window near the wing. When the plane reaches the runway, a significant amount of it finally comes off.

Social media users criticised the airline for inadequate maintenance in response to the videos, which gathered several comments. A user wrote, “Boeing needs to pay their CEO less and focus on their plane safety instead.” Another commented, “Boeing must halt its flights immediately! Boarding those aircraft is terrifying.” A third user said, “What is happening!!! Why is nothing being done about all of these planes all of a sudden messing up?? Something is definitely going on!”.