United Airlines Boeing 777 Makes Emergency Landing at Dulles After Engine Failure

A United Airlines flight bound for Tokyo was forced to make an emergency landing at Washington Dulles International Airport on Saturday. The Boeing 777-200ER experienced a serious engine failure shortly after takeoff. The incident triggered a brush fire on the ground and a full emergency response.

All 275 passengers and 15 crew members landed safely with no injuries reported. According to Reuters, airport firefighters quickly contained the small fire. The event marks another notable incident involving a Boeing aircraft this year.

Incident Details and Immediate Response

United Flight 803 departed Dulles around 12:20 p.m. local time. Moments later, pilots reported a power loss in one engine. The aircraft immediately turned back toward the airport.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated a piece of the engine cowling detached. This component separation caused a fire. The debris sparked a brush fire adjacent to the runway.

The crew executed a standard safety procedure. They dumped fuel over a designated area in Virginia to reduce landing weight. AirLive, an aviation tracking service, confirmed this step.

Passenger Safety and Ongoing Investigations

The aircraft landed safely back at Dulles around 1:30 p.m. Emergency vehicles inspected the jet on the runway. One runway was briefly closed as a precaution.

Passengers were transferred to a replacement aircraft later that day. Their flight to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport finally departed nearly seven hours late. United Airlines apologized for the disruption.

The Federal Aviation Administration has opened an investigation. They will examine the cause of the engine failure. Boeing, the plane’s manufacturer, has deferred comment to the airline.

The aircraft involved is 26 years old. It was originally delivered to Continental Airlines. Its engines are manufactured by GE Aerospace.

This emergency landing underscores the effectiveness of modern safety protocols. Quick pilot action and coordinated ground response prevented a more serious outcome. The investigation into the engine failure will be closely watched by aviation regulators worldwide.

Info at your fingertips

Q1: Was anyone hurt during the emergency landing?

No injuries were reported among the 275 passengers or 15 crew members. All individuals landed safely at Dulles International Airport. The emergency response was handled without harm.

Q2: What caused the United Airlines plane to turn back?

The Boeing 777 experienced a power loss in one engine shortly after takeoff. Officials confirmed a piece of the engine’s cowling detached and caught fire. This necessitated an immediate return to the departure airport.

Q3: Did the plane dump fuel before landing?

Yes, the crew performed a controlled fuel dump as a standard safety procedure. This reduces the aircraft’s weight for a safer emergency landing. The fuel was released over a designated area in Virginia.

Q4: How will this incident affect United Airlines operations?

The immediate impact was limited to one temporarily closed runway at Dulles. The affected aircraft will undergo a thorough inspection. United provided a replacement jet for the delayed passengers.

Q5: Who is investigating the engine failure?

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has opened a formal investigation. They will work to determine the precise cause of the mechanical failure. Findings could influence future safety directives.

Q6: How old was the aircraft involved in this incident?

The Boeing 777-200ER was delivered in November 1998, making it 26 years old. It was originally built for Continental Airlines, which later merged with United. The aircraft is powered by General Electric engines.