United 803 losers engine on takeoff.

Just seconds after takeoff, United Airlines Flight 803, travelling from Washington (IAD/KIAD) to Tokyo (HND/RJTT) experienced a frightening incident when its left engine failed during the climb from Washington Dulles, due to an engine spark/surge on departure from runway 1C. With nearly 300 passengers on board, the pilots declared a Mayday almost right away, reporting a loud bang followed by the engine failure.

UNITED AIRLINES BOEING 777-224 N78002 (MSN 27578)

According to air traffic control audio, the aircraft stayed at a low altitude while the crew went through emergency checklists, and the captain later told passengers the problem was likely caused by a bird strike. On the ground, airport staff reported smoke, several small fires near the runway, and debris scattered along the departure path, leading to a temporary runway closure.

With more than 16 hours of fuel onboard for the long-haul flight to Japan, the pilots climbed to 5,000 feet and entered a holding pattern south of the airport to dump fuel before returning. After completing the fuel jettison, the crew lined up for an ILS approach and safely landed back at Dulles less than an hour after departure. The aircraft stopped on the runway after touchdown as the crew reported a possible blown tire, switching to emergency frequencies while fire crews responded. 

All passengers and crew made it back safely, and the FAA has confirmed it is investigating the engine failure. Once again, quick decision making in the cockpit turned what could have been a disaster into a safe outcome, leaving many passengers shaken but grateful to be on the ground.

Aircraft Information:

Airline: United Airlines

Code: UA/UAL

Aircraft: Boeing 777-224

Registration: N78004

Serial Number: 27580

Engines: 2 x GE GE90-92B

First Flew: October 1998

Age: 27.2 Years