Alaska Airlines flight returns to Seattle after engine cover problem

(CNN) — The Alaska Airlines flight to San Diego returned to Seattle shortly after taking off Monday morning, according to a statement from the airline.

A representative for Alaska Airlines said in a statement to CNN that Flight 558 “reported unusual vibrations on the left side of the aircraft shortly after takeoff.” “The aircraft returned to the airport and landed safely.”

The plane took off from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport at 7:36 a.m. local time and was back at the airport by 8:04 a.m. local time, Alaska Airlines told CNN Travel.

According to the airline, part of the cowling (a metal housing for the removable engine) was removed from the fuselage upon landing.

“I heard a little pop”

Passenger Greg Anderson boarded Flight 558 on Monday and took pictures showing damage to the plane’s left engine.

He told CNN that after the plane successfully took off, he “heard a little pop” and felt the plane begin to vibrate.

Anderson said he could see pieces of the cowling come off.

“After slowing down, the captain said he felt an ‘unusual vibration’ and said he was looking for a place to land,” Anderson said.

He said more cowlings fell off as the plane landed.

Alaska Airlines said in a statement that none of the 176 passengers and six crew members on board were injured.

Passengers were transferred to a new flight to San Diego, which departed about two and a half hours after returning to the gate, the airline said in an email.

Anderson said he was booked on another flight and arrived in San Diego around 1:30 p.m.

experienced pilot

Alaska Airlines praised the crew.

“The two pilots who operated the flight have combined more than 32 years of flying experience,” the statement said. “They, along with the flight attendants, handled the incident with amazing professionalism and care.”

The Boeing 737-900ER aircraft has been grounded while safety teams investigate the cause of the problem, the airline said.