Southwest flight 3472 from New Orleans to Orlando diverted to Pensacola, Florida after an incident involving the number two engine.
The aircraft involved was N766SW, a 16 year old 737-7H4 with CFM56 engines. There were 99 passengers and 5 crew members onboard, who safely deplaned in Pensacola.
The engine appears to have significant damage, losing a cowling and exposing part of the main rotor. However, the incident appears to extend further than just the engine with the fuselage and horizontal stabilizer seeing slight damage.
A great job today by our professional @SouthwestAir pilots! The best safety device is always a well-trained pilot. pic.twitter.com/B4GpLyC6gA
— SWA Pilots’ Assn. (@swapapilots) August 27, 2016
Southwest 737 damage not limited to engine. Fuselage and wing root too. https://t.co/b4FRjb05ZH #WN3472 pic.twitter.com/dVmAr0HySM
— Jon Ostrower (@jonostrower) August 27, 2016
Southwest has put the aircraft out of service and is working with the NTSB to investigate the incident. The NTSB has stated that they are “investigating [an] incident involving a Southwest Airline fight that experienced uncontained engine failure, diverted to Pensacola Int’l.”
