On a SYR nap we were deiced and taxied out and took off. We didn't know at the time but we lost the upper cowling on takeoff (it was found off the runway in the grass, thank God).
When we were accelerating above 10,000 feet I made the comment that the airplane seemed a little sluggish and my first officer who was flying agreed. And, for those of you in the know of premium daze, "if your not clackin your slackin!
So, all was well on the flight and the landing was fine and we taxi in. As we make our turn on to the ramp a Delta 757 asks us, "do you know a panel is missing off your right engine?" Well that answered our sluggish acceleration question and we called ops. We were met by a bunch of ASA folks with cameras.
It was a couple of hours before knew the where abouts of that panel.
But, I don't think we made the news which makes you wonder how some flights do? I have had parts fall off, aborted take offs, weather and mechanical diverts but no news coverage I am aware of. Guess my 15 minutes of fame is reserved for outside aviation! Which I guess is good.
Cheers- Rum
