Southwest Airlines has confirmed an accident involving Flight 1380, which made an emergency diversion to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) after issues were discovered with the number one engine resulting in damage to the fuselage.
The 737-700 (N772SW) and was enroute from New York LaGuardia (LGA) to Dallas Love Field (DAL) with 144 passengers and five Southwest crew members onboard.
According to media reports, the engine blew at 30,000 feet and shrapnel from the engine pierced a window causing the aircraft to depressurise. One passenger was killed and several others were injured.
Our deepest sympathies go out to the family of the deceased and everyone concerned in this latest aviation incident.
Southwest Airlines issued a statement yesterday confirming the fatality and extending its sympathy to the family and all of those affected by the incident. The airline says that it has activated its emergency response team and is “deploying every resource to support those affected by this tragedy”. CEO Gary Kelly recorded his sympathies in a video message to customers: https://youtu.be/fz2rC1deJd0
Southwest Airlines states that it is in direct contact with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to support an immediate, coordinated response to the accident. Southwest states that it is in the process of gathering additional information regarding flight 1380 and will fully cooperate in an investigative process.
The engine manufacturer, CFM, is also reported to be on the scene to support the investigation. Emerging reports show that a fan blade was missing and that there are signs of “metal fatigue” according to a comment from a NTSB investigator. Questions are now being asked as to why the nacelle failed to contain the shrapnel when the engine blew.