A Southwest Airlines flight made an emergency landing after part of the plane tore off.
ABC News reports the plane, a Boeing 737-800, was originally scheduled to fly from Denver to Houston.
However, it returned to Denver International Airport after the engine cover detached during takeoff.
The Federal Aviation Administration said, “The engine cowling fell off during takeoff and struck the wing flap.”
Scary moments for passengers on a Southwest flight from Denver to Houston when the engine cover ripped off during flight , forcing the plane to return to Denver Sunday morning. pic.twitter.com/BBpCBXpTsl
— Sam Sweeney (@SweeneyABC) April 7, 2024
In a statement, Southwest said the plane “landed safely after experiencing a mechanical issue.”
It added the passengers were re-booked on different flights.
On passenger to ABC News the cover “peeled off within the first 10 minutes.”
“We all felt kind of a bump, a jolt, and I looked out the window because I love window seats, and there it was,” they added.
