HOUSTON, TX – A routine morning at George Bush Intercontinental Airport turned tense when a United Airlines flight bound for New York caught fire just before takeoff. The harrowing moments were captured on video by a passenger, showing flames licking at the aircraft’s wing and sending a wave of panic through the cabin.
Despite the chaos, flight attendants maintained their composure, urging passengers to remain seated. The situation unfolded quickly as first responders raced to the scene, responding to an urgent call for a fire truck. United Airlines reported that the incident occurred when Flight 1382 received a warning about an engine issue, prompting an immediate halt to the takeoff.
The airline identified the problem as originating from the plane’s right engine, known as Engine 2. Onboard were more than 100 passengers and five crew members, including Darya Amaya Shelton, who described being jolted awake by a loud popping sound before the aircraft came to a sudden stop.
Shelton recounted the fear that gripped everyone as smoke billowed from the wing, emphasizing the urgency with which passengers evacuated the plane. “Seeing the smoke was terrifying, and the rush to exit orderly was intense,” she said, recalling the moments of uncertainty as they slid to safety.
After exiting the aircraft, passengers were left waiting on the runway, where they were eventually transported back to the terminal by bus. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has initiated an investigation into the incident to determine the cause of the engine malfunction.
Later that day, the passengers resumed their journey, finally taking to the skies after the morning’s unsettling ordeal. The aircraft involved in the incident has been grounded for inspection and repairs as part of the ongoing investigation by the FAA.
As the investigation progresses, questions remain about the exact nature of the engine failure and the measures that will be taken to prevent future occurrences. The incident highlights the critical importance of safety protocols and the swift response of both the flight crew and emergency personnel.