Jean MartinThe incident is the latest in a week of safety problems for the airline involving Boeing airplanes, including a tire falling off and a burning engine.
A United Airlines plane, a Boeing 737 Max 8, veered off the runway at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas, on Friday morning.
The incident occurred as the aircraft was landing and exiting the runway for the gate, involving 160 passengers and six crew members.
Safety Concerns for United Airlines
This incident adds to a string of safety issues for United Airlines over the past week, all involving Boeing planes.
Prior to the runway incident, a tire fell off a United Airlines Boeing 777 shortly after takeoff from San Francisco International Airport.
The tire struck a car in a staff parking lot but caused no injuries.
Additionally, a United Airlines flight from Houston to Fort Myers experienced engine trouble, with passengers witnessing flames from one of the plane’s engines. The flight made a safe emergency landing.
Response and Investigation
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United Airlines swiftly responded to the tire incident by arranging a replacement aircraft to transport passengers to their destination. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced plans to investigate the tire mishap.
Reassurance and Support
Despite these incidents, United Airlines expressed gratitude for the professionalism of its flight crews and ground staff.
The airline assured passengers and affected individuals that their needs would be addressed and offered support for those impacted by the incidents.
Clarification on Engine Issue
Regarding the engine trouble on the flight to Fort Myers, it was clarified that the incident likely involved a compressor stall, which can cause a backfire in the engine but does not necessarily indicate that the engine is on fire.
NBC News provided this explanation to dispel misconceptions about the severity of the incident.
The series of safety issues underscores the importance of thorough investigations and proactive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of passengers and crew aboard United Airlines flights.
