Soon after takeoff, a United Airlines Boeing 777 was forced to return to Newark Liberty International Airport. This occurred after sparks and debris began to fall from the aircraft during its takeoff. According to reports, the sparks and debris came from the aircraft’s hydraulic system.
Flight UAL149, a Boeing 777-200ER, was on its way to Sao Paulo International Airport in Brazil when the incident occurred during the climb out. Following the incident, the plane resumed its climb before entering a holding pattern over the Atlantic Ocean. It then made an approach back into Newark, where it landed safely. The 256 passengers on board were all safe and were rerouted on another plane.
A United Airlines spokesperson said, “After our aircraft experienced a mechanical issue shortly after takeoff, it remained in the air to burn fuel and then landed safely. Passengers deplaned at the gate and a new aircraft is scheduled to depart this morning.“
United Airlines Boeing 777-200 grounded
Last April, approximately 25 United Boeing 777-200 aircraft powered by Pratt & Whitney PW4000 engines were grounded after an inspection revealed two damaged fan blades inside one of the engines. The planes were grounded for about a month before flying again in May after inspections.
The cause of why sparks and debris began falling from UAL149 however, the B777-200ER involved in the incident with registry N787UA is also powered by PW4000 engines.
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