United flight to Tokyo returns to Dulles after losing power in an engine and igniting brush around runway
By Alaa Elassar, CNN
(CNN) — United Airlines Flight 803 lost power in an engine and ignited some brush around the runway as it was departing Dulles Airport Saturday afternoon, according to United and Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority spokespersons.
“The fire was extinguished and the flight returned to Dulles, landing safely at about 1:30 p.m. when it was checked by airport fire responders,” Emily McGee, the airports authority spokesperson, said.
The flight was carrying 275 passengers and 15 crew members, the United spokesperson told CNN in a statement. There were no reported injuries, according to United.
The Boeing 777 was en route from Washington Dulles International Airport to Tokyo’s Haneda Airport, according to United Airlines. FlightAware data indicate the same plane regularly flies between the two cities.
The aircraft was seen releasing fuel over Dale City, Virginia, about 39 miles from the airport, before making an emergency landing, according to a video captured by a resident on the ground
Audio from live air traffic control broadcasts captures controllers coordinating the aircraft’s return to Washington Dulles, including discussions indicating the crew was dumping fuel as part of emergency procedures. In the recordings, controllers clear the flight to turn back toward the airport and prepare for an emergency landing as ground crews are alerted.
United said it temporarily closed a United Club lounge at Dulles, using it as a hub to assist passengers in getting to their destinations.
“We are scheduling a different aircraft to continue this flight later on Saturday,” the United spokesperson said.
CNN’s Sharif Paget and Graham Hurley contributed to this report.
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This story has been updated with additional information
