Midair fright: Frontier airplane makes emergency landing after an engine cover blows off shortly after takeoff
A commercial passenger jet bound for Tampa, Florida returned safely to Las Vegas with terrifying engine cover damage incurred just minutes after takeoff.
No injuries were reported after Frontier Airlines flight 260 landed at 7:26 a.m. Friday with 166 passengers and crew members aboard.
McCarran International Airport spokeswoman Christine Crews says emergency crews found debris on the runway while the aircraft taxied to a gate under its own power.
This photo from a passenger on the Frontier flight shows how an engine cover blew off after takeoff and scattered debris
Passengers near the engine were treated to this frightening view after the mishap
Emergency crews found debris on the runway while the aircraft taxied after landing back in Las Vegas
Crews says the pilot of the Airbus 320 reported an engine ‘concern’ before circling back to the airport 15 minutes after takeoff.
The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating.
Airline spokeswoman Allison Redmon says an engine cover cowling came loose and separated from the aircraft.
She says passengers were given refunds and were being re-booked on other airlines.