Southwest flight returns to Denver with engine cowling issue

Southwest Airlines Flight 3695 (a 737-800) was forced to return to Denver International Airport shortly after takeoff after an engine cowling became detached, with videos on social media highlighting the cowling flapping in the wind before appearing to strike the wing. Passengers aboard the flight, which had been destined for Houston, were transferred to another aircraft which arrived at Houston Hobby approximately three hours behind schedule. A spokesperson from the airline confirmed: “Southwest Flight 3695 returned to Denver International Airport yesterday morning and landed safely after experiencing a mechanical issue,” adding that its maintenance teams were currently reviewing the aircraft.