:quality(85)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/infobae/HBK6AMTRGZD4NMK4GFWGNWJE6Y.jpg "The audio of the pilot of the plane that lost the fuselage of its engine as soon as it took off: “We are going to declare an emergency”")
Southwest Airlines Flight 3695 faced a terrifying incident as the plane lost the fuselage of its engine during takeoff, causing panic among passengers and crew. The audio recordings of the pilot’s communication with the control tower revealed the tense moments as the pilot declared an emergency and requested an immediate return to the airport in Denver.
The Boeing 737-800 was en route to Houston Hobby Airport with 135 passengers and six crew members when the engine cowling detached and hit the wing spoiler. Videos recorded by passengers showed the damaged part of the plane’s engine hood shaking in the wind, creating a potentially dangerous situation.
Despite the alarming incident, the pilot and control tower remained calm and coordinated the safe return of the aircraft to Denver International Airport. The crew declared an emergency and confirmed the presence of the engine fuselage hanging out, prompting the control tower to provide instructions for a quick and safe landing.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the plane landed safely back at the airport. Southwest Airlines described the incident as a “mechanical problem,” and all passengers were accommodated on alternate flights.
Boeing, the manufacturer of the aircraft, declined to comment on the incident. This incident comes at a sensitive time for the aviation giant, which has faced scrutiny and criticism for past accidents and safety issues with its planes.
The Federal Civil Aviation Agency has opened an investigation into the incident to determine the cause of the engine cowling detachment and ensure the safety of future flights. Passengers and crew members on board Southwest Airlines Flight 3695 can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that they landed safely despite the frightening ordeal.