The Boeing 737-900ER with registration N31412, operated by United Airlines, had to make a return landing on the way to Fort Myers on March 4, 2024, shortly after takeoff from Houston. Background: Flames in an engine.

The medium-haul jet took off from George Bush Airport in Houston at around 18:25 p.m. local time. About ten minutes later, strong vibrations were recorded in the cockpit. The machine also gave an alarm message that an engine fire had occurred. This was also noticed by the passengers and flight attendants because there were clearly visible flames. The captain then decided to switch off the defective engine for safety reasons.

Since the destination airport was still about two hours away, the pilots reported an air emergency and requested a return landing in Houston. This was completed successfully. However, as a precautionary measure, the airport fire department and rescue workers were kept on standby. Fortunately, their services were then not needed.

Exactly what caused the engine failure, which was filmed by passengers and shared on social media, is still completely unclear. The NTSB announced that it has opened an official accident investigation. It is very difficult to make an assessment before the first interim report. According to initial information, a so-called engine surge may have occurred. What is important at the moment is that all passengers and crew members were able to get out uninjured. The passengers could then be taken safely to their destination, Fort Myers, with a replacement aircraft.

United Airlines commented on the incident as follows: “United Flight 1118 returned to Houston shortly after takeoff due to an engine problem. The flight landed safely and passengers disembarked normally. We have arranged for a new aircraft to take our customers to their destination and depart for Fort Myers later in the evening.”