27-05-2025
- General
- San Francisco Chronicle
United flight to San Francisco canceled after engine catches fire during Beijing takeoff
A United Airlines flight bound for San Francisco was canceled Monday after one of its engines caught fire during takeoff at Beijing Capital International Airport, a spokesperson confirmed.
Flight UA889, operated by a Boeing 777-200, was accelerating down the runway when the right engine suddenly ignited, according to Global Times, an English-language Chinese newspaper.
A United spokesperson said the pilots 'aborted its takeoff while still on the ground after losing power in one engine.' They added, 'The aircraft safely came to a stop and passengers deplaned to buses on the runway.' There were 229 passengers on board.
Beijing airport officials reported that a mechanical failure had affected both engines. No injuries were reported, and emergency crews responded quickly to contain the fire.
United Airlines provided hotel accommodations and rebooking options for affected passengers. A replacement flight, UA3045, is scheduled to depart at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday.
In February, United Airlines Flight UA1382 from Houston to New York was halted during takeoff after a similar incident in which an engine emitted smoke and fire, prompting an emergency evacuation via slides and stairs.
