Overview
• Operator: United Airlines
• Aircraft Model: Airbus A319-100
• Registration: N837UA
• Flight Number: UA-1382
• Route: Houston Intercontinental, TX (USA) to New York La Guardia, NY (USA)
• Date: 2 February 2025
• Occupants: 104 passengers, 5 crew
• Nature of Incident: High-speed rejected takeoff due to engine failure
• Investigation: FAA conducting inquiry
Incident Summary
United Airlines flight UA-1382, an Airbus A319-100, was accelerating for takeoff on Houston’s runway 15R when the crew rejected takeoff at high speed (approximately 115 knots over ground) due to a failure of the right-hand engine (V2522). The aircraft slowed and came to a stop on the runway, at which point the crew requested fire trucks to attend.
Airport operations reported hearing a loud pop sound, prompting a runway inspection. The tower approved ground vehicles to enter the runway behind the aircraft for inspection.
Shortly after, the crew reported engine indications and made the decision to evacuate the aircraft via slides. Smoke was observed coming from the right-hand engine, though no fire was reported. All passengers and crew safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported.
Sequence of Events
Takeoff Acceleration & Engine Failure
• The aircraft was accelerating for takeoff on runway 15R when the right-hand engine failed at approximately 115 knots.
• The crew rejected takeoff and brought the aircraft to a stop on the runway.
Emergency Response
• The crew initially reported the engine failure and requested fire trucks to attend as a precaution.
• Airport operations heard a loud pop, suggesting a possible compressor stall or component failure, and initiated a runway inspection.
• Tower approved emergency vehicles to enter the runway behind the aircraft.
Decision to Evacuate
• The crew observed engine indications suggesting a possible escalating issue and decided to evacuate.
• Passengers and crew exited the aircraft using emergency slides.
• No injuries were reported during the evacuation.
FAA Investigation & Preliminary Findings
• The FAA confirmed that the aircraft aborted takeoff at Houston Intercontinental Airport due to an engine issue.
• Passengers were bused back to the terminal, and a replacement aircraft was likely arranged.
• The FAA has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the engine failure and whether any mechanical or maintenance issues contributed.
Possible Causes & Analysis
Potential Causes of Engine Failure
• Compressor Stall or Surge: A sudden disruption in airflow through the engine, leading to loss of thrust and potential damage.
• Fuel or Ignition System Malfunction: Faulty fuel injectors or igniters could have caused abnormal combustion and flameout.
• Foreign Object Ingestion: A bird strike or debris ingestion during acceleration could have damaged engine components.
• Mechanical Failure: Structural failure in the high-pressure turbine or compressor blades could have triggered the failure.
Operational Considerations
• The crew’s decision to reject takeoff at high speed was in line with standard operating procedures when encountering a major system failure before V1 speed.
• The smoke observed from the right-hand engine suggests either oil or fuel leakage, possibly due to a damaged internal seal or bearing failure.
• The decision to evacuate via slides was precautionary, likely due to uncertainty about a potential fire risk.
Aircraft Status & Next Steps
• The aircraft remained on the ground in Houston pending a full inspection and engine evaluation.
• The engine will undergo forensic analysis, including borescope inspections and teardown examination, to identify failure points.
• United Airlines will work with the FAA to determine whether the incident was isolated or indicative of a broader issue.
• If systemic concerns are found, the manufacturer (Airbus/IAE) may issue service bulletins or airworthiness directives (ADs).
Conclusion & Safety Measures
• The incident was managed effectively by the flight crew, who executed a high-speed rejected takeoff safely.
• The prompt response from emergency services ensured a controlled evacuation without injuries.
• Further investigation is needed to determine the exact cause of the engine failure and whether additional safety measures are required.
Disclaimer
This report is based on available information as of 2 February 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.
