Overview
• Operator: United Airlines
• Aircraft Model: Boeing 737-800
• Registration: N17244
• Flight Number: UA-1879
• Route: Chicago O’Hare (IL, USA) → San Jose del Cabo (Mexico)
• Date: 12 February 2025
• Occupants: Not specified
Incident Summary
United Airlines flight UA-1879, operated by a Boeing 737-800 (N17244), was climbing out of Chicago O’Hare’s runway 09C when the crew reported a fire in the cockpit. The aircraft was stopped at FL270, and the crew declared an emergency, opting to return to Chicago.
During the descent, the aircraft entered a delay pattern, likely to assess the situation and prepare for landing. The aircraft landed safely on runway 10L about 32 minutes after stopping the climb.
The crew advised emergency responders that the fire originated at the captain’s windshield, where something had burned out. Emergency services found no visible fire externally, and the aircraft taxied to the apron without further incident.
Sequence of Events
Climb & Fire Detection
• The aircraft departed from runway 09C at Chicago O’Hare.
• At FL270, the crew reported a fire in the cockpit and declared an emergency.
• The fire appeared to be near the captain’s windshield, with something visibly burned out.
Emergency Return & Holding Pattern
• The crew stopped the climb and turned back toward Chicago.
• The aircraft entered a delay pattern to assess the fire risk before landing.
Landing & Emergency Response
• The aircraft landed safely on runway 10L at 10:20 a.m. local time.
• Emergency services conducted an external inspection and found no visible fire.
• The aircraft taxied to the apron without further issues.
FAA Investigation & Preliminary Findings
The FAA confirmed the emergency return and is investigating the incident.
The likely cause appears to be an electrical failure or arcing in the cockpit windshield heating system, a known issue with some Boeing aircraft. In previous cases, electrical arcing in the windshield heater elements has led to localized overheating, smoke, and even flames.
Potential Causes & Safety Considerations
1. Windshield Heating System Failure
• Boeing 737 windshields contain electrically heated layers to prevent ice and fogging.
• Faulty wiring or insulation can cause electrical arcing, leading to localized fires or smoke.
2. Electrical Short Circuit or Overload
• If the windshield heating system overheats, components may fail and ignite.
• In previous cases, windshield fires have occurred due to faulty wiring or excessive current draw.
3. Material Degradation or Manufacturing Defect
• Aging heating elements or defective components may have contributed to the issue.
Safety Recommendations
• Inspect cockpit windshield heating elements for signs of overheating, arcing, or insulation failure.
• Verify circuit protection systems to prevent excessive current draw in the windshield heater.
• Review Boeing service bulletins and FAA advisories regarding previous windshield heating system issues.
• Enhance crew training on identifying early signs of electrical fires and best response practices.
Aircraft Status
The United Airlines Boeing 737-800 (N17244) remains grounded pending further inspection and repairs.
Disclaimer
This report is based on available information as of 13 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.
