A United Airlines flight from Denver to Edmonton was forced to make an unscheduled landing in Denver on Sunday after experiencing engine failure shortly after takeoff. According to eyewitness reports and video footage, flames were seen blazing from the right engine of the Boeing 737-800, flight number UA2325, which was carrying 159 passengers. A collision with a rabbit during takeoff is suspected as the possible cause.
Passengers reported a loud bang and strong vibrations immediately after takeoff. A video from the cabin showed repeated flames and misfires escaping from the damaged engine, causing panic among the passengers. An eyewitness on the ground described his concern, fearing a plane crash. However, the pilots reacted calmly, turned around, and landed the plane safely in Denver after about 75 minutes.
Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident. United Airlines arranged a replacement aircraft for the stranded passengers to continue their journey to Edmonton. The incident raises questions about the security measures at airports to prevent collisions with wildlife. Although airports employ various wildlife control measures, such as fencing, audio and visual deterrents, and the removal of attractants, such incidents cannot always be completely ruled out.
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is expected to launch an investigation into the incident to determine the exact cause of the engine failure and make possible recommendations for future preventive measures. Incidents involving wildlife collisions, particularly birds, are not uncommon in aviation, but collisions with larger mammals such as rabbits are less common and can cause significant damage to aircraft.