WASHINGTON- A United Airlines (UA) Boeing 777-200 operating as flight UA803 from Washington Dulles (IAD) to Tokyo Haneda (HND) was forced to return shortly after takeoff due to an in-flight engine issue.
The aircraft’s crew shut down one of the Pratt & Whitney PW4090 engines after detecting severe overheating. The flight returned safely to IAD with emergency services escorting the aircraft to the gate.
United Airlines In-Flight Engine Shutdown
Flight UA803 had just departed Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) en route to Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) on June 21, 2025, when the Boeing 777-200 (registration N798UA) experienced a critical issue with one of its engines.
At approximately 4,000 feet during the initial climb from runway 01R, the flight crew identified abnormal heat levels in the right-side engine.
In response, the pilots shut down the affected PW4090 engine and immediately coordinated with United Airlines’ dispatch team to determine the safest course of action. Options considered included dumping fuel or executing an overweight landing.
After holding in the vicinity to reduce landing weight, the crew confirmed their ability to land safely. Emergency services were alerted and positioned on standby, the Aviation Herald reported.
The aircraft touched down without further incident on runway 01R about one hour after departure. It vacated the runway and taxied to the apron under its own power, escorted by emergency responders as a precaution.
United Airlines deployed a replacement Boeing 777-200 (registration N78001), which transported the passengers to Tokyo Haneda with a delay of approximately seven hours.
As of June 22, the original aircraft (N798UA) remained grounded at Washington Dulles for inspection and maintenance, more than 25 hours after the incident.
United Airlines (UA) ensured that passengers were informed and accommodated during the unexpected delay. The prompt deployment of the replacement aircraft helped minimize disruption to schedules.
Similar Incident
American Airlines (AA) flight from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to London Heathrow (LHR) made an emergency landing shortly after takeoff due to an in-flight engine failure.
The incident occurred on July 8, 2024, when the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner experienced a shutdown of its right engine mid-air, prompting the crew to return safely to Chicago (ORD).
American Airlines flight AA from Chicago O’Hare (ORD) to London Heathrow (LHR) was forced to abort its transatlantic journey after a critical engine malfunction shortly after departure.
The Boeing 787-9, equipped with GEnX engines, took off at 2:35 PM UTC following a one-hour delay. Within 23 minutes of flight, the right engine shut down, triggering immediate coordination with air traffic control for an emergency return.
The pilots executed a swift U-turn and safely landed the aircraft on Runway 28C at ORD. Emergency services were dispatched and followed the aircraft to the apron, ensuring operational safety throughout the event.
The aircraft involved, tail number N836AA, is a 6-year-old Dreamliner operated by the Fort Worth-based carrier.
In 2023, flight AA1182 from Memphis (MEM) to Phoenix (PHX) had to return to MEM after a similar engine issue. That flight, operated by a 23-year-old Airbus A319 registered as N821AW, also landed safely without any injuries.
Feature Image by Clément Alloing | Flickr
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