Part falls off Boeing plane during takeoff in Denver

The engine covering of a Boeing plane fell off during takeoff at Denver International Airport Sunday morning, officials said.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said the Southwest Airlines flight “returned safely” to the Denver airport at about 8:15 a.m. local time Sunday after the crew reported that a covering over the engine, called a cowling, fell off during takeoff. The part struck the wing flap of the Boeing 737-800, which was later towed to the gate after returning to the airport.

The FAA said it will investigate the incident.

Southwest Airlines said the aircraft was “experiencing a mechanical issue” in a statement to The Hill. The airline also said that customers who were headed to William P. Hobby Airport in Houston arrived to their destination on a separate aircraft about three hours behind schedule.

“We apologize for the inconvenience of their delay, but we place our highest priority on the Safety of our Customers and Employees. Our Maintenance teams are reviewing the aircraft,” the airline said.

According to FAA data, the aircraft was delivered to the airline in 2015. The cowling is a removable engine cover that is typically taken off for maintenance.