May 6, 2015
A Southwest Airlines flight headed to New Orleans with 127 passengers aboard declared an emergency shortly after 3pm this afternoon, but returned for a safe landing at Hobby Airport.
The Boeing twin-engine 737-500 jet aircraft currently flies a regularly scheduled route from Midland, Texas to Houston Hobby Airport, then onward to New Orleans.
During the climb after takeoff, the pilot reported seeing a cockpit warning light associated with the number 1 engine, and notified the Hobby tower of an emergency. The plane turned back and landed without further incident, about 25 minutes after takeoff.
Airport fire & emergency vehicles escorted the plane as it taxied back to the passenger terminal.
The New Orleans bound passengers were transferred to another flight and landed in New Orleans after a delay of 2 hours, 40 minutes.
The 21 year old aircraft, registration number N376SW, was delivered to SW Airlines in January 1994. Southwest has removed the plane from service while it undergoes inspection and maintenance review.
Southwest Airlines, based in Dallas, Texas, is in the process of expanding its presence & facilities at Hobby airport in order to accomodate international flights that are expected to begin next year.