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Southwest Airlines
Boeing 737-800 diverted to Sacramento International Airport (SMF) on November 13th while flying from Oakland International (OAK) to Reno–Tahoe International (RNO). The aircraft, holding registration N8668A, was approaching Reno’s runway 17R when the crew reported the issue and diverted.
According to The Aviation Herald, the 737 was operating on flight WN-4474 as the crew reported the issue heading onto Reno’s runway. After diverting, the aircraft landed on Sacramento’s runway 16R approximately 40 minutes after going around Reno.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has since shared the following about the events that unfolded:
“Southwest Airlines Flight 4474 landed safely at Sacramento International Airport around 8 p.m. local time on Wednesday, Nov. 13, after the crew reported a possible flap issue. The Boeing 737-800 departed from San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport for Reno-Tahoe International Airport. The FAA will investigate.”
A week marked by multiple incidents
On November 12, 2024, Southwest Airlines’ Boeing 737-700, registered N915WN, was on a scheduled flight from San Jose International Airport (SJC) to Burbank Bob Hope Airport (BUR) when the flight crew detected issues with one of the aircraft’s CFM56 engines during the climb.
According to a report by The Aviation Herald, the flight crew stopped the climb and returned to SJC approximately 35 minutes after departure. Simple Flying has asked Southwest Airlines for a comment.
The aircraft landed safely. The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the incident, stating an engine issue. The aviation regulator added that it will investigate the incident.
It is worth noting that the aircraft in question is the airline’s 16.7-year-old Boeing 737-700 with two CFM56 engines, according to ch-aviation data. Southwest has been the sole operator of this aircraft since 2006. As of June 2024, N915WN made 53,615 flight hours and 32,473 flight cycles. This particular 737-700 has the capacity to accommodate a total of 143 passengers in a single cabin configuration.
Trouble in Denver
On November 15, 2024, the emergency slides were deployed on a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 aircraft at Denver International Airport (DEN) after a phone battery caught fire onboard.
Photo: Southwest Airlines
The aircraft was preparing for flight WN3316 from Denver International Airport (DEN) to William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) in Houston when a passenger’s phone battery ignited, causing an airplane seat to catch fire as well. Preliminary reports indicate that one passenger sustained a minor injury during the evacuation, while the passenger whose phone caused the fire is being treated for burns.
In a statement, the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said:
“Passengers in the front half of the plane exited through the jet bridge. Passengers in the rear half of the plane exited using slides.”
Related
Phone Battery Fire Leads To Slide Evacuation Of Southwest Airlines Flight In Denver
Some passengers reportedly experienced minor injuries
On the same day that a phone battery fire prompted the evacuation of a Southwest Airlines 737-700, a separate incident occurred involving a Southwest Boeing 737-800, which was reportedly struck by a bullet. Southwest Airlines flight 2494, operating from Dallas Love Field (DAL) to Indianapolis International Airport (IND), was struck by a bullet while still on the ground in Dallas.
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Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 Struck By Gunfire At Dallas Love Field
The bullet struck near the cockpit, with the shooter still at large.
In a statement, the FAA said:
“While taxiing for takeoff at Dallas Love Field Airport, Southwest Airlines Flight 2494 was reportedly struck by gunfire near the cockpit around 8:30 p.m. local time on Friday, Nov. 15. The Boeing 737-800 returned to the gate, where passengers deplaned.”
Passengers were accommodated on a replacement flight operated by a Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft.