SW Flight Out of NOLA Makes Emergency Landing b/c Part of Engine Was Torn Away

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A Southwest Airlines Co. flight landed safely Saturday morning following a major malfunction of one of its two engines during a flight across the Southeastern U.S.

The Boeing Co. 737-700 was flying from New Orleans to Orlando early Saturday operating as flight 3472 when it suffered the mishap, causing the jet to quickly divert to Pensacola International Airport in northern Florida at 9:40 a.m. CDT, according to a statement from the airline.

A Southwest spokesman said its initial reports indicated no injuries were reported among the 99 passengers and five crew aboard.

Photos taken aboard the flight showed the Boeing 737-700’s engine inlet completely torn away, revealing extensive structural damage to the engine nacelle that hangs underneath the wing. The spokesman said the failure caused a depressurization of the cabin. The jet’s fuselage, front edge of the wing, horizontal tail stabilizer and winglet were also damaged.

According to tracking data from FlightAware, the 737 was flying around 30,700 feet and climbing before it began descending around 9:23 a.m. CDT.

“There was the loud explosion but after that it was very controlled. Scary, but in control,” according to a passenger aboard the flight who didn't want to be named. “Everyone cheered for the pilot when we landed safely.”

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