Boeing Engine Falls Off on Takeoff in Cape Town

Boeing engine falls off on takeoff in Cape Town

JOHANNESBURG, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) — A South African Nationwide Boeing 737 carrying 106 passengers made an emergency landing at Cape Town International Airport on Wednesday afternoon after an engine fell off during takeoff.

The company said flight CE723, which had been bound for Johannesburg, touched down safely after airport fire and rescue services hurriedly cleared the debris from the runway.

It said in a terse statement that the two-engined plane left Cape Town on schedule at 3:50 p.m..

“At take-off it was reported that the right hand engine separated from the wing. The aircraft continued to climb out. The aircraft returned and landed at Cape Town International Airport without further incident,” it added.

The airline said no passengers or crew were injured. The passengers were taken to a holding area where Nationwide representatives and trauma counselors were on hand to lend assistance.

Airports Company spokeswoman Deidre Hendricks said after the plane took off, the runway was closed while fire and rescue staff cleared “debris” from the plane.

“The runway remained closed for the aircraft’s return, which took place at approximately 16:28 p.m.,” she said.

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