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United Airlines Flight Diverts After Rare Rabbit Strike Ignites Engine Fire

A Denver-to-Edmonton flight safely returned to Denver after a rabbit was sucked into the engine, causing a fire; the FAA has launched an investigation.

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Overview

  • United Flight 2325, carrying 153 passengers and six crew, experienced an engine fire shortly after takeoff from Denver International Airport on April 13, 2025.
  • The fire was caused by a rare rabbit strike, with the animal being sucked into the engine during takeoff, according to FAA and air traffic control communications.
  • The Boeing 737-800 circled for approximately 75 minutes before safely landing back in Denver, with no injuries reported among passengers or crew.
  • Passengers were rebooked onto a new aircraft to continue their journey to Edmonton, Alberta, later that evening.
  • The Federal Aviation Administration has launched an investigation into the incident, which highlights the rarity of rabbit strikes compared to the 20,000 wildlife strikes reported annually in the U.S., mostly involving birds.