{"id":137318,"date":"2026-03-24T02:34:00","date_gmt":"2026-03-23T21:04:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=137318"},"modified":"2026-03-23T23:48:35","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T18:18:35","slug":"united-737-pilots-reject-takeoff-at-chicago","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2026\/03\/24\/united-737-pilots-reject-takeoff-at-chicago\/","title":{"rendered":"United 737 Pilots Reject Takeoff at Chicago After Runway Edge Alignment Error"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

CHICAGO-<\/strong> United Airlines (UA)<\/a> flight UA1394, operated by a Boeing 737-700, experienced a rejected takeoff at Chicago O\u2019Hare International Airport (ORD) after lining up incorrectly on the runway edge. The aircraft later departed again without inspection and completed its journey to San Antonio International Airport (SAT).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The incident occurred on March 19, 2026<\/strong>, during a night departure from Chicago O\u2019Hare (ORD)<\/a> to San Antonio (SAT), raising questions about cockpit procedures and post-incident handling, Aviation Herald<\/a> reported.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"United
Photo: By \u00a9 Raimond Spekking \/ CC BY-SA 4.0 (via Wikimedia Commons), CC BY-SA 4.0, https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/w\/index.php?curid=36767130<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

United 737 Pilots Reject Takeoff at Chicago<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

According to incident reports, the aircraft entered runway 10L via taxiway DD, approximately 3,000 feet down the runway, for a midfield departure. Instead of aligning with the runway centerline, the pilots positioned the aircraft along the left edge lights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the takeoff roll, the aircraft accelerated to about 60 knots before the crew identified the misalignment and rejected the takeoff. The aircraft continued for roughly 2,300 feet before exiting the runway via taxiway P4.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)<\/a> confirmed that the aircraft struck runway and taxiway lights while entering the runway. Despite this, the aircraft taxied back to the threshold and departed again within minutes. The flight landed in San Antonio (SAT) approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes later without further issues, OMAAT<\/a> reported.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"United
Photo: By \u00a9 Raimond Spekking \/ CC BY-SA 4.0 (via Wikimedia Commons), CC BY-SA 4.0, https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/w\/index.php?curid=36745546<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Questions Over Crew Decision-Making<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The incident highlights a critical deviation from standard operating practices. Runway lighting systems use white centerline and edge lights, which require precise alignment during night operations. Proper positioning ensures that the aircraft is centered with visible lights on both sides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The misalignment suggests either situational awareness issues or visual misinterpretation during taxi and lineup. While such errors can occur, the subsequent actions raise greater concern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After a rejected takeoff involving potential contact with runway infrastructure, standard protocol typically includes inspection of the aircraft\u2019s landing gear and a runway check for debris. These steps help prevent secondary risks such as foreign object damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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