A United Airlines flight traveling from Washington Dulles International Airport to Tokyo safely returned to the airport Saturday after experiencing an in-flight engine malfunction. Shortly after takeoff, a portion of the Boeing 777-200ER’s engine cover detached, causing a small fire both on the aircraft and on the ground, where falling debris ignited a brush fire near a runway.
Incident Details
Flight UA803, carrying 275 passengers and 15 crew members, landed at Dulles around 1:20 p.m. local time. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the incident, which involved the loss of power in one of the plane’s engines.
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority confirmed that the ground-level brush fire was quickly extinguished, and no injuries were reported among those on board or on the ground. United Airlines released a statement expressing gratitude for the swift response of its crews and airport personnel in ensuring passenger safety.
Eyewitness Account
Anthony Beverley, a resident of Fredericksburg, Virginia, witnessed the plane’s unusual behavior while grilling nearby. Mr. Beverley, an Army veteran, noted that the aircraft banked sharply and released fuel before circling back toward Dulles — a pattern he described as atypical for civilian flights in the area, which often flies near military bases like Quantico.
Investigation and Disruptions
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed via social media that a piece of the engine cover had broken off and ignited the brush fire. Air traffic was temporarily disrupted as crews assessed the situation and cleared the runway.
Flight Rescheduling
United Airlines intends to reschedule the flight to Tokyo using a replacement aircraft. The incident underscores the critical role of engine integrity in aviation safety and the importance of rigorous maintenance protocols.
The safe return of Flight UA803 highlights the effectiveness of emergency procedures and the dedication of aviation personnel to passenger well-being. The FAA investigation will be crucial in determining the root cause of the engine component failure.
