PORTLAND – An engine cowling fell off a small passenger jet Wednesday morning but the aircraft with 53 people aboard continued its flight and landed safely at Dulles International Airport near Washington, officials said.

The cowling tumbled to the ground as United Express Flight 625 was taking off from the Portland International Jetport, said Jeff Schultes, airport manager. No injuries were reported.

A cowling is the sheet metal that covers an airplane’s engine; the Canadair Regional Jet has two jet engines.

The pilot of the jet decided it was safe to continue the flight, said airport spokesman Kevin Sullivan.

The cowling was recovered on airport property and was taken to the FAA flight standards office.