December 13, 2025
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United 777-200ER bound for Tokyo returns to Dulles after engine failure; FAA investigating

A United Airlines Boeing 777-200ER bound for Tokyo with 275 passengers and 15 crew returned to Washington Dulles around 1:20 p.m. ET after one engine lost power during takeoff and a piece of the engine cover separated and caught fire, igniting brush near the runway that was quickly extinguished. No injuries were reported, a replacement aircraft was scheduled to continue the flight later, and the FAA said it will investigate the incident.

Aviation Safety Public Transport Safety

📌 Key Facts

  • A United Airlines Boeing 777-200ER bound for Tokyo returned to Dulles after one engine lost power during takeoff; the aircraft returned safely at about 1:20 p.m. ET.
  • There were 275 passengers and 15 crew on board; no injuries were reported.
  • Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said a piece of the engine cover separated and caught fire; airport spokesperson Emily McGee said brush near the runway ignited as the plane departed and that the fire was extinguished.
  • A replacement aircraft was scheduled to continue the flight later Saturday.
  • The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said it will investigate the incident.

📰 Sources (3)

United Airlines flight returns to Dulles airport after engine loses power during takeoff
NPR by Lydia Calitri December 13, 2025
New information:
  • FAA said it will investigate the incident.
  • Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said a piece of the engine cover separated and caught fire, sparking a brushfire on the ground.
  • Aircraft identified as a Boeing 777-200ER bound for Tokyo.
  • Boarding figures: 275 passengers and 15 crew; no injuries reported.
United Airlines flight safely returns to Dulles airport after engine failure during takeoff
ABC News December 13, 2025
New information:
  • Airport spokesperson Emily McGee said brush near the runway ignited as the plane departed; the fire was extinguished.
  • United said the aircraft lost power in one engine before returning safely.
  • AP reiterates the return time was around 1:20 p.m. ET and that a replacement aircraft was scheduled to continue the flight later Saturday.
United flight returns to Dulles airport after engine failure during takeoff
https://www.facebook.com/CBSNews/ December 13, 2025