Southwest Pilots Makes U-Turn to Las Vegas After 737 Engine Failure

LAS VEGAS— Southwest Airlines (WN), headquartered in Dallas, faced an in-flight emergency when Flight WN4563 returned to Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) shortly after departure. The Boeing 737-800 (B738), en route to Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA), declared an emergency due to an engine issue.

The aircraft, registered N8671D, was scheduled to operate from Las Vegas (LAS) to Santa Barbara (SBA) on July 10, 2025. The crew reported a number 1 (left) engine failure soon after takeoff, prompting a diversion back to the departure airport.

Photo: Aero Icarus | Flickr

Southwest 737 Engine Failure

Flight WN4563 departed Las Vegas at approximately 10:16 p.m. local time. Shortly after takeoff, the pilots declared an emergency with air traffic control, citing a failure of the left engine.

The aircraft, a Boeing 737-8H4, performed multiple holding patterns east of Las Vegas, as captured by flight tracking services.

Following standard emergency procedures, the crew conducted necessary checklists and coordinated with controllers to return safely to Las Vegas.

The pilots opted for a visual approach to Runway 26R at Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), where the aircraft landed without further incident at 11:25 p.m. local time.

Photo: Aero Icarus | Flickr

Safe Landing and Inspection

Upon vacating the runway, the aircraft came to a complete stop to allow emergency services to perform a safety inspection. No injuries were reported among passengers or crew members.

The rapid response from airport emergency teams ensured the situation was managed without further complications.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has confirmed that an investigation will be initiated to determine the cause of the engine failure. Such inquiries typically review maintenance records, pilot reports, and mechanical data from the aircraft systems.

Flight and Aircraft Details

• Airline: Southwest Airlines (WN)
• Flight Number: WN4563 / SWA4563
• Aircraft Type: Boeing 737-8H4
• Registration: N8671D
• Route: Las Vegas Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) to Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA)
• Incident Date: July 10, 2025

The Boeing 737-800 is widely used for domestic routes, with dual-engine configurations designed to handle one-engine operation in emergencies. Southwest Airlines has not yet released an official statement regarding the incident.

FAA Investigation to Follow

The FAA’s investigation will focus on identifying the specific technical failure in the engine and any contributing factors.

Outcomes from such investigations help enhance safety protocols and maintenance practices across the aviation industry.

Passengers were expected to be rebooked on alternate flights as the affected aircraft remains grounded pending inspection and repairs.

Photo: Cado Photo

Similar Incident

A Southwest Airlines (WN) flight en route from New Orleans Louis Armstrong Airport (MSY) to Mexico made an emergency landing at Houston Hobby Airport (HOU) on April 17, 2025 after engine trouble occurred shortly after takeoff.

The aircraft was carrying 134 passengers, including at least two families from New Orleans.

Passengers reported hearing a loud boom from the right engine moments after the wheels retracted. The plane began shaking, prompting immediate concern among travelers before the pilots safely executed an emergency landing in Houston.

The incident occurred shortly after departure when the right engine of the Southwest Airlines aircraft malfunctioned with a sudden loud noise. Michael Weber, a passenger from New Orleans, described the cabin shaking and a visible sense of concern among travelers.

The flight crew, trained for emergencies, promptly communicated with passengers to keep them calm and informed.

The pilots kept the aircraft circling before initiating the emergency landing at Houston Hobby Airport (HOU). After the landing, Weber recounted seeing grass near the tarmac briefly catch fire, leading the crew to shut down the aircraft immediately.

Passengers evacuated using emergency slides and exited from the left side of the plane under the crew’s guidance. Some stood on the aircraft wing while waiting for emergency responders.

Despite the tension, all passengers, including families from New Orleans, disembarked safely without serious injuries. The event demonstrated the importance of thorough emergency training for airline crews, as praised by Southwest Airlines in their official statement.

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The post Southwest Pilots Makes U-Turn to Las Vegas After 737 Engine Failure appeared first on Aviation A2Z.