A United Airlines Boeing 767-400, en route to San Juan, Puerto Rico, was forced to return to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) after a fire alarm triggered mid-flight. The crew safely landed the aircraft without any injuries, and passengers continued their journey on a replacement plane after a five-hour delay. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the incident.
Fire Alarm Forces United Airlines Flight to Return to Newark
United Airlines Flight UA2143 departed from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) on its way to Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) in San Juan, Puerto Rico. However, about 200 nautical miles southeast of Newark, while cruising at 31,000 feet (FL310), the pilots received a fire alarm from the cockpit.
Realizing the potential danger, the flight crew acted swiftly and made the decision to turn back to Newark. Although they advised that no immediate assistance was necessary, audio recordings captured the distinct sound of a fire bell, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Safe Landing at Newark Liberty International Airport
The Boeing 767-400, registered as N59053, landed safely on Newark’s runway 22R approximately 50 minutes after the fire alarm was first reported. All passengers disembarked without any issues, and no injuries were reported.
The FAA later confirmed that the incident took place around 10 AM local time on Saturday, January 25, 2025. An investigation is currently underway to determine the cause of the fire alarm and whether any mechanical or system failures contributed to the event.
Replacement Aircraft and Passenger Delays
To ensure passengers reached their destination, United Airlines deployed another Boeing 767-400, registered as N76062. However, the unexpected turn of events resulted in a five-hour delay before the journey to San Juan could resume.
As of the latest update, the original aircraft involved in the emergency landing remains grounded at Newark Liberty International Airport for further inspection. Maintenance teams are likely working to diagnose and fix any potential issues before the aircraft can return to service.
Similar Aviation Incidents
This incident is reminiscent of a recent emergency involving an American Airlines flight on November 13, 2024. The aircraft, departing from New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA) to Charlotte, North Carolina, suffered a severe bird strike shortly after takeoff.
The impact caused an engine failure and fire, forcing an emergency landing at JFK Airport. A passenger, Crystal Groves Thomas, captured video footage of the event, which later surfaced online. The pilot promptly informed air traffic control about the incident, reporting that the aircraft had struck birds on departure.
Aviation safety protocols ensured a swift and efficient response to the fire alarm aboard United Airlines Flight UA2143. Despite the unexpected return to Newark, all passengers remained safe, and a replacement aircraft continued the journey to San Juan. The FAA’s ongoing investigation will determine the cause of the alarm and whether any mechanical issues were involved. Such incidents emphasize the importance of rigorous aircraft maintenance and emergency preparedness in commercial aviation.
