The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) launched an investigation after a flap on a Boeing 737’s wing partially detached midair before landing in Texas on Tuesday. Delta Air Lines Flight 1893, operating from Orlando International Airport to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, was carrying 62 passengers and six crew members when the incident occurred. Passengers noticed part of the left wing’s flap had broken away as the plane approached Austin. “We felt it was bad turbulence. The plane was shaking,” passenger Shanila Arif told CNN. “The lady in front of us opened the window and told us it is broken. I opened the window and got scared.” Arif recorded a video showing the flap dangling from the back of the wing while the aircraft flew at high speed thousands of feet in the air. She said she feared the loose part could strike the tail and trigger a crash. After landing safely, Delta confirmed that “a portion of the left wing’s flap was not in place” and announced that the aircraft had been grounded for maintenance.“We apologize to our customers for their experience as nothing is more important than the safety of our people and customers,” the airline said in a statement, adding that it was cooperating fully with the FAA investigation. Flaps, located at the trailing edge of the wings, are extended during takeoff and landing to provide additional lift and control. No injuries were reported among passengers or crew.
