DENVER — The Federal Aviation Administration is requiring United Airlines to conduct “immediate or stepped-up inspections” of Boeing 777 airplanes with the same type of engine that failed Saturday in Colorado.
Had a front row seat to the entire engine failure on United flight 328. Kinda traumatized to fly United more. #UnitedAirlines pic.twitter.com/5KdJn1BGfV
— Chad Schnell (@ChadSchnell) February 20, 2021
According to The Associated Press, FAA Administrator Steve Dickson shared the news of the directive, which applies to planes “equipped with certain Pratt & Whitney PW4000 engines,” in a statement issued Sunday.
“This will likely mean that some airplanes will be removed from service,” the statement read, adding that officials “concluded that the inspection interval should be stepped up for the hollow fan blades that are unique to this model of engine, used solely on Boeing 777 airplanes.”
FAA experts are meeting with Pratt & Whitney and Boeing to finalize the details, according to the statement.
Statement from FAA Administrator Steve Dickson. pic.twitter.com/dGkUYuKNAL
— The FAA ✈️ (@FAANews) February 21, 2021
Shortly after the announcement, United Airlines tweeted that it is “voluntarily & temporarily removing 24 Boeing 777 aircraft powered by Pratt & Whitney 4000 series engines from our schedule.”
Flight UA328 from Denver to Honolulu experienced an engine failure shortly after departure, returned safely to Denver and was met by emergency crews as a precaution. There are no reported injuries onboard. We are in contact with the FAA, NTSB and local law enforcement.
— United Airlines (@united) February 20, 2021
Safety remains our highest priority, which is why our crews take part in extensive training to prepare and manage incidents like UA328. We remain proud of our employees' professionalism and steadfast dedication to safety every day.
— United Airlines (@united) February 22, 2021
Late Sunday, Pratt & Whitney also said it was meeting with regulators about the engines and “has dispatched a team to work with investigators.”
.@prattandwhitney statement on #united328 pic.twitter.com/E9McHZri9U
— davidshepardson (@davidshepardson) February 22, 2021
The news came the day after a catastrophic engine failure of United Airlines Flight 328 caused large pieces of debris to fall over suburban Denver, the AP reported. No injuries were reported in the incident, and the plane, which was carrying 241 people, landed safely in Denver.
Over 230 people above the north metro area had a petrifying experience today after this engine malfunction. Thanks to the skill of the pilots who calmly landed this jet; everyone on board is ok! If you find debris, notify the local jurisdiction where you found it. #TakeABow 👨✈️ ✈️ pic.twitter.com/Tz67FlAofx
— Lakewood Police (@LakewoodPDCO) February 20, 2021
– The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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