A United Airlines Boeing 777-200 operating a Tokyo flight returned to Dulles Airport due to an engine malfunction shortly after take-off. No injuries were reported.
A Boeing 777-200 passenger aircraft belonging to United Airlines returned to Dulles International Airport in Virginia after experiencing an engine malfunction shortly after take-off during its Tokyo flight. An investigation has been launched into the incident.
Power Loss Occurred Shortly After Take-off
According to a statement by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), United Airlines flight UA803 experienced a loss of power in one of its engines shortly after departing Dulles Airport on Saturday afternoon. The aircraft subsequently returned to the airport in accordance with safety procedures.
A United Airlines spokesperson stated that all 275 passengers and 15 crew members on board were safely evacuated and that there were no injuries.
Detached Engine Cowling Part Caused a Fire
Following the incident, photos and videos shared on the social media platform X showed smoke rising from the area around the runway at Dulles Airport, located approximately 40 kilometres from Washington, DC.
US Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy stated that a part that broke off from the aircraft’s engine cowling caught fire, causing a small-scale blaze in a brush area around the airport.
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority announced that the fire was brought under control and extinguished in a short time.
FAA Launches Investigation
The FAA announced that a formal investigation has been launched to determine the causes of the incident. United Airlines officials stated that the flight would be rescheduled later on Saturday using a different aircraft.
