Investigation launched after Boeing engine cover falls off during flight

American Airlines investigators are looking into why an engine flap detached and struck a wing flap on a Boeing 737 during takeoff.

The Southwest Airlines plane was forced to return to Denver International Airport at 8:15 a.m. Sunday (April 7) following the accident, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Southwest Airlines said in a statement that the plane landed safely and was towed to the gate, where passengers bound for Houston boarded another plane.

The airline also said maintenance teams were inspecting the plane and no one was injured on board.

The airline declined to say when the plane’s engines, which were put into service in June 2015, last underwent maintenance.

The airline said in a statement: “We apologize for the inconvenience caused by the flight delay, but the ultimate safety of our customers and employees is our top priority. Our maintenance team is inspecting the aircraft.”

When contacted for comment, Boeing said it was referring questions to Southwest Airlines for information about the airline’s aircraft and fleet operations.

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A series of aviation accidents involving Boeing aircraft in recent months have damaged the planemaker’s reputation and led to concerns that their planes are unsafe.

In an incident that is being investigated by the FAA, a flight from Texas was canceled Thursday after reports that a fire broke out in one of two engines and was extinguished by firefighters.

The FAA is also investigating a Southwest Airlines 737 flight to Austin, Texas, on March 25 after the crew reported a possible engine problem.

In another incident in January, a door jam of a commercial Boeing 737 Max 9 ripped off as the plane climbed, leaving a large hole in the side of the plane. No one on the Alaska Airlines flight was seriously injured.

Last month, at least 50 passengers were injured when a Boeing 787 Dreamliner suddenly plummeted in the air. An investigation into the LATAM flight on Monday reportedly focused on the movement of cockpit seats.

In another incident in March, a United Airlines Boeing 777-300 was forced to make an emergency landing in Sydney after a fuel leak occurred in mid-air.

Additional reporting by Reuters.