BREAKING | United Airlines Flight Grounds Takeoff in Chicago as Engine Catches Fire

A United Airlines flight bound for Seattle was forced to abort takeoff at Chicago O'Hare International Airport on May 27th, 2024, after experiencing a dramatic engine fire. Thankfully, all 148 passengers and five crew members disembarked safely thanks to the swift actions of the pilot and emergency response teams.

United Airlines Flight UA2091, an Airbus A320-232 (Reg. N432UA), was in the process of taking off when the incident occurred. Witnesses reported loud noises and seeing flames erupting from one of the plane's engines. The pilot reacted quickly, bringing the aircraft to a halt on the runway. Airport fire crews were immediately deployed and extinguished the blaze.  Ground crews then towed the plane back to the terminal, where passengers disembarked safely. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) temporarily paused incoming flights at O'Hare while the emergency was addressed. Operations resumed to normal after the situation was resolved. 

Left engine (International Aero Engines IAE V2527-A5) of United Airlines Airbus A320-232 aircraft(N432UA) operating flight UA2091 to Seattle (SEA), caught fire, followed by smoke through wing , resulting in an aborted takeoff at Chicago O'Hare (ORD) earlier today.

Flight :… https://t.co/MDCoVJcD38 pic.twitter.com/VY5e0lyK5K

— FL360aero (@fl360aero) May 28, 2024

United Airlines is currently working on securing alternate travel arrangements for the affected passengers. The cause of the engine fire is still under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). This incident serves as a reminder of the rigorous training and procedures in place to ensure passenger safety in the event of an in-flight emergency. 

The swift actions of the pilot and emergency response teams undoubtedly prevented a more serious situation. United Airlines will likely face scrutiny in the coming days as investigators delve into the cause of the engine fire. Passengers who were on board the flight may also be entitled to compensation for the inconvenience caused by the aborted takeoff.