Originally Posted by
Big4Flyer
Reports say that WN 987 from AUS to HRL had a part of the wing break off in-flight. The plan was able to make a safe return to SAT. A WN rep says that it was a "flap track canoe" that came apart.
https://www.yahoo.com/travel/terrify...184117448.html
My only question after this incident is why in the world would they put a canoe on the wing? I always thought you're supposed to put those on the top.
A sensationalist headline with a picture in the accompanying article that refutes that very headline. As Mr. Dunbar noted, the canoe fairing didn't actually separate from the aircraft--it just came loose at one end, and pivoted down at an abnormal angle.
The flap canoe fairings (3 on each wing) provide an aerodynamic covering for the flap movement mechanisms. As per the FAA-approved 737 Configuration Deviation List (CDL), the aircraft can be legally and safely dispatched and operated with a certain number removed.
The unscheduled (not an emergency) landing at SAT was to remove it from the wing at the earliest opportunity, and thus prevent it from possibly separating from the aircraft and possibly injuring someone on the ground.
Obviously a slow news day..