Southwest flight returns due to engine issues shortly after takeoff

A Southwest Airlines flight from Sacramento to Denver was forced to return shortly after takeoff due to a potential engine issue. The incident occurred on February 8, 2025, involving a Boeing 737-700 operating as Flight 2301. The aircraft departed at 08:52 local time and returned to Sacramento International Airport at 09:24.

The Aviation Herald reported that the crew requested to level off at 4000 feet before deciding to head back due to an engine concern. Passengers described the experience as unsettling, with Christine Buff telling KCRA 3 about detecting a strange smell and hearing loud noises during takeoff. Some passengers reported seeing what appeared to be flames from one of the engines.

Southwest Airlines issued a statement indicating that the plane landed safely and passengers were accommodated on a replacement aircraft. "On Feb. 8, Southwest Airlines Flight 2301 made a non-emergency return to Sacramento International Airport to evaluate a possible engine issue," the airline stated. "The aircraft landed uneventfully and taxied to the terminal, where Customers were accommodated aboard another aircraft to Denver."