Engine cover rips off, forcing plane to make emergency landing and turn around.
Tuesday morning, Alaska Airlines said that immediately after takeoff, Flight 558 had experienced a "strange vibration" on the left side of the aircraft.
The airline reported that although the aircraft was able to safely land at the airport and return, "part of the metal paneling that covers the engine, known as the cowling, detached from the aircraft when it landed."
No one was hurt, according to Alaska Airlines, and passengers were rebooked on another trip to San Diego.
Six crew members and 176 passengers were on board the flight at the time of the incident, according to the airline. It was stated that the two pilots had a combined flying experience of more than 32 years.
According to Alaska Airlines, "they handled the event with remarkable professionalism and care, together with our flight attendants." The statement said, "We also immensely appreciated the guests' tolerance throughout this incident.
The Boeing 737-900ER is currently out of service as the airline's safety team conducts an investigation, according to Alaska Airlines.