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United 777 Returns to Dulles After Engine Power Loss Ignites Runway Brush Fires

Federal investigators opened a case into a reported cowling separation that ignited brush beside a runway.

Overview

  • United Flight 803 to Tokyo Haneda landed back at Dulles around 1:20–1:30 p.m. after the left engine lost power shortly after takeoff.
  • All 275 passengers and 15 crew were uninjured as airport, Loudoun, and Fairfax fire units quickly contained small brush fires and a runway was briefly closed.
  • Officials said a piece of the engine cowling detached and caught fire; the aircraft is a Boeing 777‑200ER registered N78004 with GE engines.
  • The crew declared an emergency, entered a hold, and dumped fuel over the Dale City/Fredericksburg area to reach a safe landing weight.
  • The FAA opened an investigation and the NTSB is gathering information, United rebooked customers on a replacement flight later Saturday, and the involved jet remains out of service for inspection.