United Airlines Flight Returns to Dulles After Engine Failure During Takeoff
Incident Overview
A United Airlines flight experienced a significant engine failure shortly after taking off from Dulles International Airport on Saturday, December 13, 2025. The aircraft, designated United flight 803 and operating the Boeing 777-200 model, was en route to Tokyo when the incident occurred around 12:20 PM. The airplane successfully returned to Dulles, landing safely at approximately 1:20 PM.
Details of the Engine Failure
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a portion of the engine cover separated from the aircraft, leading to a fire that ignited a brush fire on the ground. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed these details alongside a spokesperson from Dulles Airport. Fortunately, the fire was quickly extinguished, and there were no injuries reported among the 275 passengers and 15 crew members aboard.
Images captured around the time of the incident show smoke rising near the runways, as reported by CBS News. The FAA has initiated an investigation to assess the cause and implications of the engine failure.
Emergency Response
Emergency dispatch recordings indicate that firefighters were dispatched to the airport to address an “outside fire” on the runway, although it remains unclear if this was directly related to the aircraft’s engine issue. In response to the incident, United Airlines temporarily closed a United Club lounge at Dulles to assist affected passengers and facilitate their travel arrangements.
Next Steps for Passengers
United Airlines announced that flight 803 would be rescheduled on a different aircraft later on Saturday. The airline is actively working to ensure that all passengers reach their respective destinations with minimal disruption.
For travelers seeking accommodation during this time, consider exploring booking options here.
As further information becomes available, the FAA continues to investigate the incident to ensure the safety of air travel.
For updates on the situation, keep an eye on local news outlets and official announcements from United Airlines and the FAA.