PHILADELPHIA (WBAP/KLIF News) – The National Transportation Safety Board says one person died following an apparent engine failure on a Southwest Airlines flight Tuesday.
Southwest flight 1380 was traveling from New York City to Dallas and was forced to make an emergency landing in Philadelphia. Seven other passengers suffered minor injuries.
The passenger who was killed was identified as Jennifer Riordan, a bank executive with Wells Fargo, who lived in New Mexico. Riordan is described as a mother of two.
Kristopher Johnson was on the plane and said the situation was terrifying.
“We were leaving La Guardia heading to Dallas we were west of Philadelphia about 30,000 feet and all of a sudden we just heard this loud bang, rattling and it felt like one of the engines blew out. The oxygen masked dropped,” he said.
Johnson said passengers were frantic but the pilot managed to land the plane safely.
“It appeared that it just shredded the left side engine completely. We dropped from 30,000 feet to 25,000 feet and then the pilot regained control and brought it safely down to Philadelphia,” he said.
Southwest Airlines released a statement following the emergency landing.
Southwest Airlines confirms an accident involving Southwest Airlines Flight 1380. The flight made an emergency diversion to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) earlier today after the Crew reported issues with the number one engine which resulted in damage to the fuselage.
We are deeply saddened to confirm that there is one fatality resulting from this accident. The entire Southwest Airlines Family is devastated and extends its deepest, heartfelt sympathy to the Customers, employees, family members and loved ones affected by this tragic event. We have activated our emergency response team and are deploying every resource to support those affected by this tragedy. For a message from Gary Kelly, Southwest Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, please click here.
The aircraft involved today was a Boeing 737-700 (N772SW) and was enroute from New York LaGuardia (LGA) to Dallas Love Field (DAL). In total, the flight had 144 Customers and five Southwest Crewmembers onboard. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Southwest Pilots and Flight Attendants who acted professionally and swiftly to take care of our Customers during the emergency diversion and landing.
Finally, Southwest Airlines officials are in direct contact with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to support an immediate, coordinated response to this accident. Southwest is in the process of gathering additional information regarding flight 1380 and will fully cooperate in an investigative process.
Please join the Southwest Family in keeping all of those affected by today’s tragedy in your thoughts.
Investigators are looking into the cause of the explosion.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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