The Boeing 737-300ER with the registration N641UA was affected by an engine failure on March 26, 2023 during the climb. The machine was actually supposed to fly from Houston to Rio de Janeiro.

Shortly after take-off, which took place around 21:00 p.m. local time, a malfunction occurred in the left engine. This is said to have led to fire being sighted. The cockpit crew used the extinguishing system and immediately stopped the climb. The Boeing 160-767ER, carrying 300 people, is returning safely to Houston Airport.

United Airlines Flight UA129 made it safely around 13 minutes after takeoff. All passengers and crew have exited the long-haul aircraft unharmed. It is still unclear what caused the failure and fire in the left engine. The NTSB has already said it will investigate the incident. The affected aircraft is currently 32,1 years old.