Fan Blade Broken During Southwest Engine Failure

According to investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board, the engine failure of a Southwest Airlines flight from New Orleans to Orlando last month had debris that punched a 16-inch hole in the left fuselage slightly above the wing of the Boeing 737-700. During the flight, which was forced to make an emergency landing in Pensacola, Fla., one of the fan blades in the engine detached completely and reportedly displayed fractures that indicated mechanical fatigue.

To read more on this story, go to USA Today.

[Photo: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS]