NEWARK- On Sunday, a United Airlines (UA) flight had to return to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) due to an engine compressor stall. The flight deck crew declared an emergency, citing a compressor stall in the left engine, and levelled off the jet at 10,000 ft.
After burning off some fuel in the skies over New Jersey, the aircraft began its descent back into Newark, touching down safely on runway 22R at 13:15 EST, about 25 minutes after take-off
United Airlines Flight Incident
Emergency Landing: United Airlines Airbus A320 (N433UA) Experiences Engine Failure
According to The Aviation Herald, United Airlines flight UA1027, operated by a 27-year-old Airbus A320-200, faced an engine failure during take-off on its route to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD).
The flight crew declared an emergency, attributing it to a compressor stall in the left engine, and maintained the aircraft at 10,000 ft.
After expending excess fuel over New Jersey, the plane safely descended to Newark, landing on runway 22R at 13:15 EST, approximately 25 minutes after take-off. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the 158 people onboard.
The aircraft remained grounded at Newark until November 22, when it was ferried to New York’s LaGuardia International Airport (LGA) and resumed service.
However, a subsequent incident occurred as N344UA arrived at Denver International Airport (DEN) while operating as UA520 to Sioux Falls Regional Airport (FSD). The aircraft returned to Denver about 20 minutes after take-off, mirroring a similar engine-related issue.
The cause of the Denver incident is currently unclear, and United Airlines has not provided immediate comments in response to inquiries.
After spending two more days on the ground, N433UA is set to return to service on November 24.
Ageing Fleet Challenges
Challenges of an Aging Fleet: United Airlines Faces Incidents with Older Aircraft
United Airlines has encountered several minor incidents involving its ageing narrowbody aircraft over the past year. According to ch-aviation, the airline’s A320-200 fleet averages over 25 years old, with the A319-100 fleet slightly younger at 22 years.
Among its Boeing fleet, the 737-700, -800, and -900 have an average age of around 22 years, while the 757s average 23 years.
In November, two incidents were reported. On November 1, a 10-year-old 737-900 (N37468) experienced a tail strike during take-off from Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and had to return to the airport less than half an hour after departure. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently investigating the incident.
Ten days later, N829UA, a 23-year-old A319-200 en route to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), diverted back to Newark after reporting issues with its fuel valves, preventing the use of the centre fuel tank. The aircraft returned to service less than 12 hours later.
United Airlines plans to retire several of its older Airbus and Boeing aircraft, including N433UA and N829UA, in the coming months as it prepares to integrate 180 A321neo aircraft into its fleet. The carrier has already received its first A321neo, N44501, in October.
The A321XLR variant, for which United Airlines orders 50 aircraft, is set to replace the 757 fleet on long-haul, low-demand routes. Meanwhile, the A321neo and Boeing 737 MAX jets will cover much of the short and medium-haul domestic network. Deliveries are expected to continue through 2032.
United Airlines’ current schedule anticipates the A321neo entering service in March 2024, focusing initially on connecting the airline’s Chicago base with its central Latin America hub at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston
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