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Cracked Windshield Forces Southwest Flight Diversion
12 May
Summary
- Southwest flight 2665 diverted safely to Tulsa due to windshield damage.
- Passengers aboard the diverted flight arrived in Baltimore four hours late.
- The FAA is investigating the cause of the windshield crack incident.
Southwest Airlines Flight 2665 diverted to Tulsa, Oklahoma, on Monday due to reported windshield damage while cruising at a high altitude. The aircraft, which had departed Albuquerque, landed safely in Tulsa, where passengers were accommodated on a replacement plane. This diversion caused the flight to arrive in Baltimore nearly four hours later than its scheduled time.
The airline commended its flight crew for their professionalism during the diversion. The incident involved a Boeing 737, registered N265WN, which is over 19 years old. The Federal Aviation Administration has announced it will investigate the circumstances surrounding the cracked windshield.
This event is not isolated, as similar windshield damage has affected other flights recently. Notably, aircraft windshields are designed with multiple layers, allowing for safe continued operation even with some damage. Historical incidents, such as a severe windshield failure in 1990, highlight the potential risks, though modern designs offer enhanced safety.
