Following yesterday's incident, where a United Airlines Boeing 777 suffered an engine failure after departure from Denver, the FAA declared that all Boeing 777s equipped with Pratt & Whitney PW4070 engines would be grounded until further notice. This would allow for a more thorough investigation in the matter whilst ensuring the safety of passengers on these aircraft.
Yesterday's incident occurred aboard N772UA, one of United's domestically-configured 777-200s. These aircraft are not extended range and are usually utilized on United's domestic high-capacity routes, such as SFO-ORD, LAX-ORD, IAH-DEN, and DEN-HNL (the route in which UA328 was flying yesterday). United's 777-200, contrary to their 777-200ER, feature 28 business class seats in a 2-4-2 configuration. Even-numbered rows are facing backward, providing window seats an unobstructed view of the engine, specifically that in which the failure occurred.
A few hours ago, United Airlines released a statement, stating that "out of an abundance of caution, [the airline] is removing 24 Boeing 777 aircraft powered by Pratt & Whitney 4000 series engines from [their] schedule." The airline also assured the public of its increased safety precautions around similar aircraft that are in service. They are working closely with the FAA and NTSB to "determine any additional steps that are needed to ensure [their] aircraft meet [their] rigorous safety standards and can return to service."
The FAA issued a directive today as well that ordered the care given to the maintenance inspection of these aircraft to be heightened. Specifically, the FAA cites the "hollow fan blades that are unique to this model of engine" as the reason for the attack.
More information will be released when it becomes available.
Recently Released Articles
Remembering Iran Air Flight 655: A Victim of US Military Miscalculation in 1988
STORIES Explore the somber history of Iran Air Flight 655, a stark reminder of the consequences of a tragic military error in 1988. Join us as we reflect on t...
READ MORE
Why Certain Foods Do Not Get Served on Planes
INFORMATIONAL Although there are many jokes about airline food quality, Airlines invest a lot of time and resources into researching and designing the meals they se...
READ MORE
Quantum INS: GPS's Replacement?
NEWS It may sound like something out of science fiction, but navigation using the principles of Quantum Physics is fast becoming a reality. Positioning, Na...
READ MORE