A Southwest Airlines aircraft displayed alarming flames shortly after its departure from Houston’s Hobby Airport on the evening of August 15. With Cancun as its intended destination, the plane found it necessary to perform an emergency landing, prompted by mechanical anomalies.
The observed flames originated from Flight 307’s right engine, a sight captured by ground observers in video recordings. Among these observers was Andrew Sandino, who detailed the plane’s considerable side-to-side oscillations and the emerging smoke, flames and fireballs.
Having been airborne for a mere 16 minutes, the aircraft safely landed back at Hobby Airport. Those aboard were then transferred to a subsequent flight bound for Cancun.
In response, Southwest Airlines acknowledged Flight 307’s mechanical setback and its decision for a detailed assessment.
While the visual might appear distressing, Kathleen Bangs, a past commercial pilot and current FlightAware spokesperson, clarified that the aircraft’s safety was presumably not compromised. She cited the plane’s design, allowing it to function on a lone engine. It’s worth noting Southwest Airlines’ unblemished record, devoid of fatal accidents.
