United Airlines Flights Return to Airports Following Engine Incidents After Engine-Related Issues
A United Airlines flight returned to Dulles International Airport in Virginia on Saturday after experiencing an engine power loss shortly after takeoff. Separately, another United Airlines flight returned to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on Monday morning following reports of a possible engine fire. Both incidents resulted in no reported injuries among passengers or crew.
Incident at Dulles International Airport
On Saturday, a United Airlines flight destined for Tokyo, Japan, returned to Dulles International Airport (IAD) in Virginia after experiencing an engine power loss shortly after its departure. The aircraft was identified as a Boeing 777-200ER.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy reported via X that a piece of the engine cover separated from the engine and subsequently ignited, which caused a brushfire on the ground.
The flight was carrying 275 passengers and 15 crew members. No injuries were reported in connection with this incident.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has initiated an investigation into the event.
Incident at Los Angeles International Airport
On Monday morning, United Flight 2127, a Boeing 787-9 aircraft scheduled for New Jersey, returned to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) for an emergency landing. The flight, which had departed LAX at 10:14 a.m., was carrying 256 passengers and a 12-person crew.
The return was prompted by reports of a possible engine fire. Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) officials were alerted at 11:05 a.m., and the aircraft landed at 11:29 a.m. without incident.
Following the landing, firefighters assisted in the evacuation of all passengers and crew members. A United spokesperson stated that passengers exited the plane using slides and stairs before being bused to airport terminals. The airline is working to facilitate passengers' onward travel.
LAFD officials did not confirm the presence of an active fire upon the plane's landing but maintained monitoring of the engine. No injuries were reported among those on board.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) initially issued a brief ground stop at LAX, which has since been lifted.