On a recent Friday, the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced that it is looking into an engine fire that occurred on a United Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9. The incident happened the week prior at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey.
An Unexpected Occurrence
United flight 2376, which was on its way from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, touched down at Newark on June 28. After landing, a fire warning light indicator popped up, compelling the crew to shut down one of the engines. Despite the warning, no visible smoke or fire was spotted emanating from the engine. Consequently, the plane was moved to the gate.
Upon arrival at the gate, maintenance personnel noticed something unusual. They discovered signs of a fuel leak from the engine. Furthermore, there was heat damage and soot present on the engine cases and external surfaces, according to the NTSB.
Safe Disembarkation and Precautionary Measures
Despite the sudden turn of events, passengers were able to leave the plane normally in Newark, as per the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) report. In response to the engine fire warning, the flight crew had activated the engine fire extinguishers as a safety measure, the FAA added.
United confirmed that it is investigating the incident. However, they did not provide any additional comments. Boeing, when questioned about the incident, directed all queries to the NTSB and United Airlines.
The United 737 MAX 9 involved in the incident was delivered in 2020, and the LEAP-1B engine that it houses was constructed by CFM International, a prominent jet engine manufacturer. The company, jointly owned by General Electric and France’s Safran, stated that it “is supporting the NTSB’s investigation.”
This incident serves as a reminder of the crucial role of safety measures and swift responses in ensuring passenger safety.
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