Overview of the Incident
On February 2, 2025, a United Airlines flight, designated as UA1382, experienced a critical engine failure during its take-off sequence at Houston-George Bush Intercontinental Airport. The Airbus A319, part of United’s extensive fleet, was bound for New York-La Guardia Airport. The aircraft, carrying 104 passengers and five crew members, initiated an emergency stop on the runway after the right-hand engine malfunctioned at approximately 115 knots (132 mph / 213 kph).
Emergency Response and Passenger Evacuation
Following the engine failure, the pilot quickly decided to abort the take-off, successfully bringing the aircraft to a halt on the runway. Shortly thereafter, a fire indication in the compromised engine prompted an immediate evacuation. Emergency slides were deployed, and passengers were swiftly moved to safety on the tarmac. Subsequent inspection by airport operations confirmed the presence of a loud ‘pop’ sound from the engine, which was reported by onlookers during the take-off attempt.
Video footage captured by passengers depicted thick smoke emanating from the right engine, underscoring the severity of the incident. The passengers were later transported to the terminal via bus, where arrangements for an alternative aircraft were made. United Airlines provided a replacement Airbus A320, registered N427UA, to complete the journey to New York.
Investigation and Regulatory Response
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched a detailed investigation into the incident, citing the timely actions of the crew in averting a potential disaster. According to FAA reports, the incident occurred at 08:35 local time, and the prompt evacuation ensured no injuries among the passengers and crew. The regulatory body aims to determine the root cause of the engine failure and evaluate the aircraft’s maintenance and operational protocols.
Despite initial reports of a fire, the Houston Fire Department clarified that there was no active fire by the time they arrived at the scene. The engine showed signs of severe distress but was not engulfed in flames, which helped in avoiding a larger crisis.
Aircraft and Operational Details
The aircraft involved, registered as N837UA, has been in service with United Airlines since April 2001. At 23.9 years old, it is powered by two International Aero Engines V2500 engines and features a two-class configuration capable of accommodating 126 passengers. Following the incident, the aircraft was grounded at Houston Airport for thorough inspection and necessary repairs to ensure its airworthiness.
This incident has highlighted the importance of rigorous maintenance and quick emergency response protocols in ensuring passenger safety during critical situations. United Airlines and regulatory bodies like the FAA are committed to maintaining high standards of safety and operational integrity, as reflected in their immediate and coordinated response to this unexpected engine failure.