Delta passengers watched engine cover fall off at 28,000 feet

There are some things that we all know exist, but prefer to never see — like dead bodies, cold sores and the engines on airborne planes. 

Passengers aboard Delta flight 762 experienced a shock when an engine cover fell off their plane mid-flight on Sunday afternoon, according to local news affiliate WTVF.

The flight from Atlanta to Chicago hit turbulence and had to make an emergency landing at Nashville International Airport after the right engine's outermost cover — or cowling — fell off at 28,000 feet.

Cabin lights came on about 45 minutes after takeoff when the cowling came off, striking part of the fuselage.

Damage to the plane.

IMAGE: WTVF

The pilot declared a state of emergency and landed at Nashville without any additional problems.

The Boeing 717 taxied to the gate and the flight's 109 passengers walked off the plane, with no reported injuries.

Passengers were provided food and beverages as they waited in the terminal for another aircraft, and Delta reached out to passengers "with a gesture of apology," the airline said.

The flight continued onto Chicago three hours later.

"Delta will fully investigate this episode as the safety and security of our customers and employees is always our top priority," the airline said in a statement.