Probe Launched after Section of Air Force C-17 Falls into Couple’s Backyard

An investigation has been launched after a piece of the exterior of an Air Force C-17 fell off the plane and landed in a couple’s backyard.

No one was hurt in the incident but Melissa Gutierrez and her boyfriend, Nate Martinez, were said to be startled by a loud scraping sound when the piece landed in San Antonio, Texas.

She told the local paper, the San Antonio Express-News, the couple's barbecue grill suffered minor damaged and that the impact "knocked some picture frames off the wall."

The Associated Press reports that Joint Base San Antonio spokesman Brent Boller confirmed that a C-17 lost a part after taking off from Port San Antonio on Thursday morning.

He added that there was no indication the plane was affected by losing the part.

Boeing spokesman Peter P. Pedraza said the company is conducting an investigation into an "in-flight mishap."

"Our highest priority is the safety and well being of those in the community and the passengers and crew members who fly aboard Boeing airplanes," he added.