A Frontier Airlines A320 returned to Las Vegas immediately after takeoff on Friday after the right cowl flipped up on takeoff. The flapping aluminum met a predictable demise and passengers recorded the mishap with their phones. The short climb out and the quick return were reportedly routine but the plethora of smartphones at the ready made appealing video for the news cycle.
“Our pilotsfollowed procedure and immediately returned to the airport,” said airline spokeswoman Allison Redmon. “The engine continued to operate normally and the aircraft, an Airbus 320, landed safely. Safety is our top priority at Frontier Airlines and we wouldlike to acknowledge the professionalism of our pilots and flight attendants.” Some passengers were reportedly a little less restrained. Passenger CJ Gunnerson tweeted that passengers were “jumping up screaming, slamming on the roof. Yelling stop.”
