Dulles, Virginia — December 13, 2025.
A United Airlines flight departing Washington Dulles International Airport was forced to return shortly after takeoff on Saturday after one of its engines failed and caught fire, officials confirmed. No injuries were reported among the 275 passengers and 15 crew members on board.
The incident involved United Flight 803, a Boeing 777-200ER bound for Tokyo, and is now under federal review.
What Happened
According to U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and airport officials, the incident occurred around 12:20 p.m. as United Flight 803 lifted off from Dulles International Airport.
Moments after takeoff, the aircraft’s left engine failed, and a piece of the engine cowling separated, igniting a fire near the runway. The debris sparked a small mulch fire on airport property, which was quickly contained by emergency crews.
Despite the dramatic nature of the engine failure, the flight crew followed emergency procedures and maintained control of the aircraft.
Flight Returns Safely After Fuel Dump
Because the aircraft was scheduled for a long-haul international journey, officials said the plane had approximately 16 hours’ worth of fuel onboard. To safely reduce weight before landing, the crew dumped fuel over Virginia from an altitude of about 5,000 feet, a standard aviation safety procedure.
The plane then returned to Dulles International Airport, landing safely at approximately 1:30 p.m., just over an hour after departure.
Secretary Duffy confirmed that no passengers or crew were injured during the incident.
Aircraft and Investigation Details
United Airlines confirmed the aircraft involved was a Boeing 777-200ER, a wide-body jet commonly used for international routes. The airline and federal aviation authorities are now working to determine the cause of the engine failure.
While the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not yet released a formal statement, such incidents typically trigger a thorough mechanical inspection and investigation, particularly when engine components separate during flight.
Airport officials emphasized that the fire near the runway was external to the aircraft and posed no additional risk once extinguished.
Passenger Accommodations and Airline Response
United Airlines said in a statement that all passengers will be accommodated on another aircraft later Saturday to continue their journey to Tokyo.
The airline also thanked passengers and crew for their calm response and praised the flight crew for handling the situation safely and professionally.
Incidents like this, while rare, highlight the importance of rigorous safety protocols in commercial aviation.
What Happens Next
The aircraft will remain grounded for inspection as investigators examine the engine failure and detached cowling. Findings from the investigation could lead to maintenance reviews or safety recommendations, depending on the outcome.
Passengers affected by United Flight 803 are expected to resume travel once replacement arrangements are finalized.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
The post United Airlines Flight 803 Engine Failure Forces Emergency Return to Dulles Airport first appeared on Trusted and Verified USA News.
