United Airlines Flight Makes Emergency Landing in Houston Due to Engine Fire

A United Airlines flight en route from Houston to Fort Myers, Florida, was compelled to return to its point of departure on Monday after passengers witnessed flames emanating from one of the aircraft’s engines. The incident, captured on video by several of the 167 passengers aboard the Boeing 737, showcased a startling line of fire trailing from the engine, as reported by KTRK-TV.

David Gruninger, a passenger returning to Florida with friends after a wedding in Mexico, described the experience: “I remember there was just this bright, flashing light that came through the window, and it sounded like a bomb went off, and then it was just a strobe of fire out the window.” FlightAware data indicates that Flight 1118 took off from George Bush Intercontinental Airport at 6:40 p.m. and initiated a return just 12 minutes later.

Pilots reported issues with the left engine, referred to as the number one engine, experiencing surges during the ascent. “Flight attendants saw momentary flames back there,” was relayed by one of the pilots in radio transmissions. The aircraft managed to make a safe return to Bush Airport by 7:13 p.m., a mere 33 minutes after departure.

Reflecting on the experience, Gruninger shared with KTRK, “It was a very turbulent ride back, and it was a pretty harsh landing. This is something I’ll remember every time I get on a flight now.” In response to the incident, United Airlines arranged for the passengers to continue their journey to Fort Myers on an alternative aircraft a few hours later.

The aircraft involved in the engine fire incident was slated for its next departure to Orlando on Thursday morning at 7:20 a.m. As compensation for the inconvenience, United Airlines offered the affected passengers a $200 flight credit alongside a $15 meal voucher.

United Airlines provided a statement regarding the incident: “United flight 1118 returned to Houston shortly after takeoff due to an engine issue. The flight landed safely, and the passengers deplaned normally. We arranged for a new aircraft to take our customers to their destination, which departed for Fort Myers later that evening.” This event underscores the airline’s commitment to passenger safety and their prompt response in addressing the unforeseen engine malfunction.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, wtok.com