In a recent incident involving a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-800, an engine cowling detached shortly after takeoff from Denver, leading to a quick investigation. The airline has now determined that the cause was human error in not properly latching the engine cowl during maintenance the night before.

Passenger video footage captured the moment the engine cover peeled away and hit the aircraft's wing flap. The pilot immediately made the decision to return to Denver, and the plane safely landed approximately 25 minutes after takeoff. Once on the ground, the aircraft was towed to the gate for further inspection.

Initially referred to as a "mechanical issue," Southwest Airlines later clarified that it was a result of maintenance oversight. In response to the incident, the airline has circulated a memo to remind its employees about the importance of remaining vigilant and attentive to detail, urging them to avoid complacency in their tasks.

Aviation watchdog JonNYC highlighted that the incident was a significant oversight by Southwest Airlines' maintenance team, followed by failures from others to notice the issue. In contrast, JonNYC pointed out that American Airlines has implemented a practice of painting the latches on engine cowls with fluorescent orange, which makes them more visible when left unsecured.

The notable aspect of this incident is that it drew attention not because it was a Boeing-related issue or specific to a particular model. Instead, it served as a reminder that sometimes human error can lead to such mishaps in the airline industry.

While painting engine cowl latches in a bright color may seem like a low-tech solution, Southwest Airlines may now consider adopting this measure to enhance visibility and reduce the chances of similar incidents occurring in the future.

The incident has prompted discussions within the aviation community, emphasizing the need for continued focus on safety protocols and attention to detail in all areas of operational maintenance.

Southwest Airlines remains committed to ensuring the highest standards of safety and has taken immediate steps to address this incident, hoping to prevent any recurrence of maintenance oversights that may compromise passenger safety.