During flight UA1828 on January 3rd, 2025, the pilot informed that we had lost an engine (a Boeing 777-200) and needed to divert to Atlanta; we landed 40 minutes later.
ATLANTA- On January 3, 2025, a United Airlines Boeing 777 flight from Orlando (MCO) to Chicago O’Hare (ORD) was diverted to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) due to engine failure in the air.
United Airlines offers over a dozen flights between Chicago and Orlando, utilizing both narrow-body and wide-body aircraft.
United 777 Engine Failure
A passenger on the Reddit forum detailed the details of the incident, writing:
“During flight UA1828 on January 3rd, 2025, the pilot announced that we had lost an engine (Boeing 777-200) and had to divert to Atlanta; 40 minutes later, we landed.” Obviously, an airplane can fly with just one engine, but your attention wanders during those 40 minutes.”
According to FlightRadar24, United Airlines flight UA1828 departed Orlando at 9:35 PM UTC. After being aloft for almost an hour, the flight crew reported that one of the engines had failed.
Following this, they made a cautious landing in Atlanta at 11:33 PM UTC. The passenger safely exited the airplane at Gate 17 in Concourse E.
The flight was flown by a Boeing 777-200ER registered as N221UA. Furthermore, the aircraft is 23.6 years old and powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW4000 engines.
United’s Boeing 777-200ER has 362 seats, comprising 32 First Class and 330 Economy Seats. However, the exact number of passengers aboard the flight is unknown.
The airline replaced the aircraft, and after 7 hours, it took off from Atlanta at 6:54 AM UTC and successfully arrived in Chicago at 8:30 AM UTC.
Diversion Protocols
Airlines follow stringent standards for diversion airport selection during emergencies, especially in hazardous circumstances involving engine failures on twin-engine aircraft.
The industry requires landing at the “nearest suitable airport” amid particular non-normal conditions, putting immediate safety ahead of operational convenience.
The aviation industry defines the “nearest suitable airport” using extensive airline manuals and non-standard checklists. These documents outline needs such as appropriate runway length, acceptable weather conditions, and enough firefighting capability.
This definition specifically excludes non-safety factors like maintenance facilities, backup aircraft availability, and passenger service infrastructure.
Even when an emergency is declared, most mechanical diversions take place outside of the “nearest suitable airport” mandate. Airlines allow diversions to airports with maintenance and customer service capabilities during minor technical concerns.
However, certain cases necessitate strict “nearest suitable” criterion, such as twin-engine aircraft encountering engine failure, uncontrollable flames, or major electrical system failures.
Similar Incidents
On January 5, 2025, Air India Flight AI2820, flying from Bengaluru to Delhi, encountered an engine stall. The incident involved an Airbus A320, previously operated by Vistara and registered as VT-TQE. The aircraft is 3.8 years old and powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines.
Delta Air Lines experienced a serious incident on January 1, 2025, when flames were detected from an A330 aircraft engine as it took off from Atlanta International Airport heading for Sao Paulo. The airline shifted 257 people to a replacement plane, causing a five-hour delay reaching their Brazilian destination.
On November 13, 2024, American Airlines Flight 1722 made an emergency landing at JFK Airport following a bird strike incident after departing LaGuardia Airport. When a bird impacted with the engine during the initial rise phase, the Charlotte-bound aircraft lost power and caught fire.
What happened to the United Airlines Boeing 777 flight?
A United Airlines Boeing 777 experienced an engine failure mid-flight, prompting the crew to divert the aircraft to Atlanta for a precautionary landing. All passengers and crew were safely deplaned upon arrival.
Were there any injuries reported during the incident?
No injuries were reported. The crew handled the situation according to standard safety procedures, ensuring the safety of all passengers on board.
What caused the engine failure?
The exact cause of the engine failure is under investigation by United Airlines and aviation authorities. Preliminary reports suggest a possible mechanical issue, but further inspection is required.
What type of engine was involved in the failure?
The engine involved in the incident was one of the two turbofan engines powering the Boeing 777. More details about the specific engine model will be released after the investigation.
How common are engine failures on commercial flights?
Engine failures on commercial flights are extremely rare. Modern aircraft engines are designed with multiple safety features, and pilots are trained to handle such situations to ensure passenger safety.
Will the passengers be compensated for the diversion?
United Airlines typically offers compensation for significant disruptions, including hotel accommodations and meal vouchers if necessary. Affected passengers should contact United Airlines’ customer service for more information.
