NEW ORLEANS - Southwest officials say they're cooperating with the NTSB's investigation in trying to determine what caused an engine to blow mid-flight. The aircraft was expected to land in Dallas and continue to New Orleans, so many people had something to say.
At Louis Armstrong International Airport, passengers were shaken after hearing about Southwest Airlines flight 1380.
"I'm sure it's pretty scary for the folks on board," said Aaron Danos.
"It's not great taking off with that in your head," said Kathleen Padilla. "We're already delayed, and a little on edge, hoping we'll make our connecting flight."
The aircraft, headed towards Dallas from New York, was forced to land in Philadelphia after one of the engine blew, shattering a window mid-flight. One passenger, Marty Martinez, spoke with CBS News, saying it was nothing short of terrifying.
"First it was an explosion, then almost immediately the oxygen masks come down, and then, probably within a matter of ten seconds the engine then hit a window and busted it wide open," said Martinez. "That explosion critically injured a passenger. All I could think about was my family and friends."
Southwest officials later confirmed that passenger, a mother from New Mexico, died. It marks the second accidental death on a U.S. carrier aircraft since 2009.
"Let me assure you the safety of our customers and crew are our priority," said one official during a press conference. I am immensely grateful that there were no other injuries but this is a tragic loss," a Southwest official said.
As passengers in New Orleans head to their destination, they say they'll be thinking about this tragic incident and thinking about those who had to experience it.
"I know that we're flying from a place with good weather to a place with good weather, but it wasn't a weather related issue so it's hard to hear about," said Padilla.
"Hopefully the folks who had to go through it can overcome it quickly," said Danos. "It's sad that it happened but what do you do? I'm not going to stop flying I'll keep on flying."
This is Southwest Airlines' first fatality ever due to an accidental inflight mishap. Southwest Airlines officials also say the aircraft was delivered in July 2000, and that it was last inspected two days ago, but didn't have information on what kind of inspection was done.