United Airlines Boeing 787 Dreamliner Returns to Singapore After Engine Failure

By Ivan PetrenkoMay 17, 2024 12:30 PMNews
Share:
White and black United Airlines airplane during night time
White and black United Airlines airplane during night time. Source: unsplash

A United Airlines Boeing 787 Dreamliner, operating Flight UA28 from Singapore Changi to San Francisco, experienced an engine failure shortly after takeoff. The aircraft, with 197 passengers and 14 crew members on board, landed safely back in Singapore, with no injuries reported.

The incident involved an eight-year-old 787-9 Dreamliner powered by two GEnx engines. Approximately 30 minutes into the flight, the plane's left-hand engine suffered a suspected uncontained engine failure. Pilots shut down the engine and descended from FL310 to FL150 before safely landing back in Singapore about 90 minutes after departure. A post-flight inspection revealed a hole in the left engine cowling and engine case.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating the incident, which appears to be an uncontained engine failure. In a notice, the FAA stated, "AIRCRAFT DEPARTED, SHORTLY AFTER REPORTED A #1 LEFT ENGINE FAILURE AND RETURNED TO AIRPORT, POST FLIGHT INSPECTION REVEALED A HOLE IN THE LEFT ENGINE COWLING AND ENGINE CASE, SINGAPORE."

United Airlines operates two daily roundtrips between Singapore and San Francisco, offering over 7,100 weekly seats. The 787-9 Dreamliners on this route can seat up to 257 passengers across three cabin classes. The affected aircraft remains grounded following the incident.

The Dreamliner's GEnx engines are one of two options for the 787, the other being Rolls-Royce's Trent 1000. While it's not confirmed if the engine failure was uncontained, the damage to the cowling and case suggests it could be. Uncontained failures are serious, as they involve engine parts exiting the casing at high speeds, potentially causing structural damage.

In 2022, the FAA issued an airworthiness directive (AD) revealing that some GE engines, including the GEnx, were manufactured with contaminated powdered metals. This issue has led to more ADs as further affected engines were identified. Simple Flying has reached out to United Airlines for comment on this incident.

This isn't the first incident for the aircraft. Two years ago, the same plane had a landing gear issue after taking off from Houston to London, and a few days prior, it had to return to London due to an indicator light issue.

Top Articles
Top Nightclubs in San Francisco: Your 2024 Nightlife Guide

Top Nightclubs in San Francisco: Your 2024 Nightlife Guide

Nov 10, 2024 21:28 PM
Unique Dishes You Can Only Try in Disneyland California

Unique Dishes You Can Only Try in Disneyland California

Nov 8, 2024 21:58 PM

Best Places for Thanksgiving Dinner To-Go in Los Angeles

Nov 6, 2024 23:31 PM

Enjoy Dinner and Movies at LA's Best Dine-in Theaters

Nov 5, 2024 23:06 PM
More News
Volcanic ash cloud rising from an eruption

Flight Disruptions to Bali: Volcanic Eruption on Flores Creates Chaos for Tourists

Nov 14, 2024 15:35 PM
Svalbard, Svalbard and Jan Mayen

Exploring Svalbard: A Hurtigruten Arctic Adventure to the Edge of the World

Nov 14, 2024 14:42 PM

Understanding the Differences Between Cargo Planes and Passenger Airliners

Nov 14, 2024 12:41 PM

beOnd Launches Boarding Tags for a Refined Check-In Experience

Nov 14, 2024 11:35 AM
Virgin Australia 737-800 landing at Runway

Volcanic Eruption Forces Flight Cancellations to Bali

Nov 14, 2024 10:38 AM
Flughafen Düsseldorf, Germany

11 Injured in Severe Turbulence on Lufthansa Flight from Buenos Aires to Frankfurt

Nov 14, 2024 08:34 AM
Chicago O'Hare Airport, Chicago, USA

Delta Flight Lands Safely in Denver Despite Nose Damage

Nov 14, 2024 06:30 AM
flydubai airplane taxiing on a runway with city skyline in the background

flydubai Broadens Nepal Connectivity with New Flight Path to Bhairahawa

Nov 14, 2024 04:36 AM
A blue ScotRail train at a station platform with doors open

ScotRail Boosts Train Services for Football and Rugby Events

Nov 14, 2024 03:41 AM

EU Revolutionizes Travel with Unified Ticketing and Stronger Passenger Rights

Nov 14, 2024 02:35 AM

Eurostar Anniversary Deals: Up to 30% Off European Travel and the Return of the Snap Program

Nov 14, 2024 00:34 AM
Passengers at an airport terminal with SWISS planes visible through large windows during sunset

SWISS Extends Tel Aviv Flight Suspension: Impact on Travelers

Nov 13, 2024 22:33 PM
Emirates aircraft at an airport gate with cargo loading equipment nearby

Etihad Airways Expands Digital Offerings for International Travelers

Nov 13, 2024 20:32 PM
American Airlines plane on the runway

Gunfire in Haiti Threatens Air Travel: Flights from the U.S. Temporarily Suspended

Nov 13, 2024 19:35 PM
A Delta airplane ascending into a clear blue sky

Delta Elevates Holiday Flights with Upgraded Meals and Wine Selection

Nov 13, 2024 18:31 PM

New Trends in Travel Inspiration Sources Revealed

Nov 13, 2024 16:41 PM

Exploring Nepal’s Himalayan Hiking Trails: A Photographer’s Paradise

Nov 13, 2024 14:42 PM
A woman with a surfboard stands at the water's edge

Bright Surfboards as a New Way to Protect Against Sharks

Nov 13, 2024 13:39 PM
Miami International Airport, Miami, United States

Getting Around Miami International Airport: A Quick Guide to Public Transit

Nov 13, 2024 12:38 PM
London Stansted Airport, Stansted, United Kingdom

London Stansted Airport Sets All-Time Passenger Record With Over 107,000 Travelers in One Day

Nov 13, 2024 10:37 AM
American Airlines plane parked at the gate

Incident on Board American Airlines: Passengers Concerned Over Missing Part of Plane

Nov 13, 2024 09:35 AM
Dimly lit hotel corridor with wooden flooring

Stonecliffe and Mackinac’s Historic Hotels: Heritage Meets Comfort

Nov 13, 2024 08:36 AM

Urdaibai Bird Center Faces Expansion Challenges Amid Eco-Tourism Alternatives

Nov 13, 2024 06:35 AM

From Harry Potter Castles to Bridgerton Estates – New Tourist Routes and Eco-Initiatives

Nov 13, 2024 04:34 AM
A WestJet airplane in flight with snow-capped mountains in the background

WestJet Opens Direct Access to Tulum, Expanding Travel Choices for Canadians

Nov 13, 2024 02:33 AM
Modern high-speed train at a station platform in Europe

Europe’s Green Rail Revolution: Embracing Battery and Hydrogen Power for Sustainable Travel

Nov 13, 2024 00:32 AM