A United Airlines flight departing from Dulles International Airport was forced to make an emergency landing on Saturday afternoon due to a malfunction in one of its engines during takeoff. The Boeing 777-200ER, designated as Flight 803 and bound for Tokyo, Japan, experienced engine failure around 12:20 p.m., producing sparks and smoke, according to the FAA.
The flight safely returned to Dulles with a total of 275 passengers and 15 crew members on board, and fortunately, no injuries have been reported. Despite some rumors circulating on social media, no parts fell from the aircraft during the incident.
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) stated that the engine failure ignited nearby brush on the runway; however, emergency responders quickly extinguished the flames. While smoke from the brush fire was seen at a distance and shared on social media, normal airport operations continued with other flights taking off and landing on different runways, indicating that the emergency was managed effectively.
Dulles Airport issued a statement confirming the occurrence of the incident and mentioned that a nearby runway fire was extinguished. They reassured the public that the aircraft had safely returned and thanked those who expressed concern for the passengers and crew.
United Airlines also released a statement acknowledging the engine failure and emergency landing, commending their flight crews and Dulles teams for their swift actions to ensure everyone’s safety. They have temporarily closed one of their United Club lounges at the airport to assist affected passengers and planned to send another aircraft to continue the journey to Tokyo later in the day.
As the FAA opens an investigation into the incident, both the airline and airport authorities are focused on ensuring the safety of those involved and maintaining normal operations at Dulles. This incident highlights the effective emergency response from airport personnel and United Airlines, showcasing the importance of preparedness in aviation safety.