It was the emergency everyone fears, followed by the outcome everyone hopes for.
Southwest Airlines Flight 3472 from New Orleans to Orlando was diverted to Pensacola, Florida on Saturday following an engine failure and explosion. The Boeing 737 has two turbofan engines on either wing, and passengers were shocked when one of the engines exploded, both billowing smoke and violently shaking the plane.
Though, certainly, a traumatic experience for all involved, the 99 passengers and five crew members on the flight are safe, sound and on the ground thanks to the preparedness and professionalism of the flight crew, with every single piece from incident to deplaning happening as perfectly as can be expected in an emergency situation.
After the plane stabilized, one of the pilots came out of the cockpit and explained the issue to the passengers before returning and assisting with the emergency landing.
Southwest Airlines provided the following statement:
"Today, the Captain of Flight 3472 from New Orleans to Orlando made the decision to divert to Pensacola due to a mechanical issue with the number one engine. The flight landed safely without incident at Pensacola International Airport at 9:40 a.m. central time. Initial reports indicate there were no injuries among the 99 passengers and five crew members on board. We have notified the NTSB, and when authorized, we will be inspecting the aircraft to assess the damage. The aircraft is out of service, and we will work to accommodate the passengers to Orlando or their final destination as soon as possible."
The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating.
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