Overview
• Operator: United Airlines
• Aircraft Model: Airbus A319-100
• Registration: N837UA
• Flight Number: UA-382
• Route: Washington National (USA) → Houston Intercontinental (USA)
• Date: 24 January 2025
• Occupants: 88 (Passengers & Crew)
• Nature of Incident: Hydraulic system malfunction leading to an emergency diversion
• Investigation: Under review
Incident Summary
United Airlines flight UA-382, operating an Airbus A319-100, was cruising at FL380, approximately 50 nautical miles southeast of Memphis, Tennessee, when the crew reported a hydraulic malfunction. Due to the nature of the issue, the crew declared an emergency and opted to divert to Memphis International Airport (MEM) for safety precautions.
The aircraft conducted a safe landing on runway 36C approximately 30 minutes after declaring the emergency. Upon landing, emergency services inspected the aircraft for possible hydraulic leaks before it taxied off the runway.
The remainder of the flight was cancelled, and the aircraft remained grounded in Memphis for 47 hours following the incident.
Sequence of Events
Cruise Phase
• The aircraft was cruising at FL380 when the crew identified a hydraulic malfunction.
• An emergency was declared, and the crew coordinated with ATC for an immediate diversion.
Diversion to Memphis
• The aircraft began its descent and was granted priority landing clearance at Memphis International Airport.
• The crew requested emergency services to inspect for hydraulic fluid leaks upon arrival.
Landing & Post-Landing Inspection
• The aircraft landed safely on runway 36C without further complications.
• Emergency services conducted an external inspection before allowing the aircraft to taxi clear of the runway.
• The flight was officially cancelled, and passengers were rebooked on alternative flights.
Possible Causes & Technical Analysis
The specific nature of the hydraulic malfunction remains under investigation, but common causes include:
1. Hydraulic Fluid Leak – A ruptured line, failed seal, or valve malfunction can cause a loss of hydraulic pressure, affecting key systems such as braking, steering, and flight controls.
2. Hydraulic Pump Failure – The A319 has multiple hydraulic pumps across its three independent systems (Green, Blue, and Yellow); failure of a primary pump can cause operational limitations.
3. Hydraulic System Contamination – Debris, air bubbles, or water intrusion into the hydraulic system can cause loss of function or erratic behavior.
4. Flight Control Hydraulics Issue – If the malfunction was linked to actuators controlling surfaces like the rudder, ailerons, or stabilizers, a precautionary diversion would be warranted.
The crew’s decision to divert was in line with best practices for hydraulic system malfunctions, as continued flight without full hydraulic redundancy can compromise control authority, braking performance, and gear retraction or extension.
Aircraft Status & Investigation
• The occurrence aircraft (N837UA) remained grounded in Memphis for 47 hours after the incident.
• The FAA has opened an investigation to determine the root cause of the hydraulic failure.
Safety Considerations & Industry Best Practices
• Hydraulic system failures require immediate action, as they can impact critical flight functions such as braking, landing gear deployment, and flight control movement.
• Aircraft manufacturers design hydraulic redundancy, allowing for a controlled landing even if one system fails.
• Prompt emergency response and inspections are essential to ensure safety before further operations.
Disclaimer
This report is based on available information as of 26 January 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the completeness of the details cannot be guaranteed. If you are the rightful owner of any referenced materials and wish them removed, please email takedown@cockpitking.com.
