Dulles, Virginia – December 13, 2025.
A United Airlines flight departing from Washington Dulles International Airport Forced to return soon after take off on Saturday One of its engines failed and caught fireOfficials confirmed. There are no reports of any injuries 275 passengers and 15 crew members Rider.
event involved united flight 803A Boeing 777-200ER bound for TokyoAnd is now under federal review.
What happened
According to the US Secretary of Transportation sean duffy And the incident happened around airport officials 12:20 pm As United Flight 803 takes off from Dulles International Airport.
Moments after take off, the plane left engine failedand a Engine cowling piece separatedSetting fire near the runway. sparks came from the debris small wet grass fire on airport property, which was quickly contained by emergency personnel.
Despite the dramatic nature of the engine failure, the flight crew followed emergency procedures and maintained control of the aircraft.
Flight returns safely after fuel dump
Officials said that because the plane was scheduled for long-haul international travel About 16 hours of fuel on board. To safely reduce the weight before landing, the crew Fuel was dropped over Virginia from a height of about 5,000 feet.A standard aviation safety procedure.
After this the plane returned Dulles International Airportalmost safe landing 1:30 pmExactly one hour after departure.
Secretary Duffy confirmed this No passengers or crew were injured During the incident.
Aircraft and investigation details
United Airlines confirmed that the plane involved was Boeing 777-200ERA wide-body jet commonly used for international routes. The airline and federal aviation officials are now working to determine the cause of the engine failure.
When Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not yet issued any formal statement, such incidents usually trigger Intensive mechanical inspection and testingEspecially when engine components become separated during flight.
Airport officials stressed that the fire started near the runway external There was no additional threat to the aircraft after extinguishing.
Passenger accommodation and airline response
United Airlines said in a statement that All passengers will be transferred to another plane after Saturday To continue our journey to Tokyo.
The airline thanked the passengers and crew for their calm response and praised the flight crew for handling the situation safely and professionally.
Such incidents, while rare, highlight the importance of rigorous safety protocols in commercial aviation.
what happens next
The aircraft will remain grounded for inspection as investigators investigate the engine failure and the separated cowling. The investigation may draw conclusions Maintenance reviews or safety recommendationsDepends on the outcome.
Passengers affected by United Flight 803 are expected to resume travel once replacement arrangements are finalized.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.