Boeing Faces New Safety Concerns as Engine Cowling Falls from 737-800 during Takeoff

Boeing is facing mounting scrutiny over safety concerns after an engine cowling fell off a Boeing 737-800 during takeoff and struck a wing flap. The Southwest Airlines flight safely returned to Denver International airport after departing for Houston with 135 passengers and six crew members on board.

The incident has added to the growing list of issues that Boeing is facing, including manufacturing concerns. Southwest Airlines has announced that its maintenance teams will be reviewing the Boeing 737-800 to determine why the cowling, which covers the engine, fell off during the flight. According to FAA records, the plane was manufactured in 2015 and is an earlier generation of the 737 model.

Boeing declined to comment when approached by BBC News, redirecting inquiries to Southwest for information about the airline’s plane and fleet operations. Following the incident, the Boeing aircraft was towed to the gate and Southwest Airlines has stated that passengers will be flown to Houston on another plane, albeit three hours behind schedule.

This latest incident adds to the pressure on Boeing, which has been working to repair its reputation following previous crashes involving the 737 Max model, which resulted in the grounding of planes globally for over 18 months.