Terrifying moment passenger plane's engine breaks apart in mid-air
Passengers bound for the Taiwanese Kinmen islands received a horrifying shock as they watched their plane's engine cover broke apart in midair.
Shocking footage shows the metal panel of the ATR 72-600 aircraft flapping violently, exposing the internal engine components.
The incident occurred shortly after takeoff from Kaohsiung International Airport this morning.
Those onboard the flight were initially alarmed when the plane began to shake from the issue with the turbopropeller engine.
Looking out of the windows, they were stunned to see the engine cover coming loose, bending upwards and downwards under strong air currents.
One frightened passenger said: 'Not long after takeoff, the plane started shaking. Everyone looked out the window and began shouting for the flight attendants.
'The scariest part was that the flight attendants didn't say anything, but their eyes looked terrified. That scared me even more.'
The pilots quickly declared an in-flight emergency and returned the aircraft to Kaohsiung, where it landed safely.
An investigation is currently underway to determine the cause of the mechanical failure.
Mandarin Airlines is a regional subsidiary of China Airlines that operates a fleet of 12 aircraft. Founded in June 1991, the airline is known for its focus on regional connectivity within Taiwan.
Last year US airline regulators opened a probe after an engine cover on a Boeing 737-800 fell off during take-off and struck a wing flap.
The Southwest Airlines flight returned safely to Denver International airport after originally departing to Houston.
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