Medium Large Transport; Low Wing; 2 Turbojet Eng
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 151
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Landed As Precaution
Aircraft
We encountered turbulence on the climbout. Passengers informed flight attendants that 'part of the wing had fallen off.' Flight Attendant initially was unable to leave her seat due to turbulence; but was later able to gather info and observe the damage. She communicated to me that part of the flap had departed the aircraft and that another part was dangling. I alerted ATC that we had lost a part of the flap and that we wished to divert to [a nearby airport]. I gave an approximate location that we encountered the turbulence and where I though the part was lost. We landed uneventfully and the fire chief directed we shut down and be towed to the gate due to the dangling part under the wing.
Upon further inspection on the ground and consulting with Maintenance; we could see that no flaps were damaged or missing and the only abnormality appeared to be that the left outboard flap track cover/canoe was loose and hanging down. We made a logbook entry and turned the airplane over to Maintenance personnel.In my opinion I believe that the Flight Attendants could be better trained to identify major pieces of the airplane; especially those visible from inside the cabin. If we could have had more accurate information regarding the problem; we could have prevented additional uneasiness to the passengers; and also raising fears in Dispatch.
A flight crew reported they were advised by a Flight Attendant that a passenger had observed some parts falling off the wing. The flight diverted to a nearby alternate airport.