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United Hong Kong Flight Returns to SFO After Burning Smell Reported

United says the crew turned back after detecting a burning rubber odor.

Overview

  • United flight UA 869, a Boeing 777, returned to San Francisco about an hour after takeoff with emergency personnel standing by.
  • The aircraft carried 336 passengers and 15 crew, and passengers deplaned normally before rebooking on another plane Tuesday evening.
  • FlightRadar24 data show a delayed 1:15 p.m. departure from SFO and roughly one hour airborne before the turnback.
  • A passenger, Vincent Goh, reported seeing smoke outside his window and described panic in the cabin before the return.
  • Airport officials offered little information while the fire department did not respond to inquiries, and no cause has been confirmed.