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Houston plane bound for Cancun forced to turn around after right engine spews flames

Cancun, Q.R. — A Southwest plane bound for Cancun was forced to return to the Houston airport after flames began to shoot out of an engine. Flames were seen coming out of the right engine minutes after the plane took off from William P. Hobby Airport Tuesday evening.

Passengers onboard the Boeing 737 reported hearing a “boom” before “smelling fuel”.

In a statement Wednesday, Southwest said its Boeing 737 experienced “a mechanical issue shortly after takeoff” and “was taken out of service for review.” The plane was in the air for around 16 minutes with the flame-spewing engine before returning to the Houston airport.

Southwest flight 307 took off from Houston bound for Cancun when it was forced to turn around. “The aircraft landed safely,” the airline said. “A different aircraft continued the flight to Cancun last evening, and we appreciate our Customers’ patience and support.”

Federal Aviation Administration has reported that they are investigating.