Incident Overview
• Date: January 18th, 2025
• Aircraft: Boeing 767-400
• Registration: N69059
• Flight Number: UA-2143
• Route: Newark, NJ (USA) to San Juan (Puerto Rico)
• Passengers and Crew: 243 on board
• Location: Approximately 200nm south-southeast of Newark
• Classification: Incident
• Investigation Status: Open
Summary of Events
United Airlines flight UA-2143 departed Newark, NJ, bound for San Juan, Puerto Rico. While cruising at FL330, the flight crew detected a low hydraulic quantity on the left-hand system. The crew declared an emergency and opted to return to Newark. The aircraft landed safely on runway 22L approximately 50 minutes after declaring the emergency.
Sequence of Events
1. Cruise Phase:
• The aircraft was enroute at FL330 when the crew identified a low hydraulic quantity in the left-hand hydraulic system.
2. Emergency Declaration:
• The crew declared an emergency and informed ATC of the issue.
3. Approach and Landing:
• The crew advised that no assistance was required and declined the offer for the longer runway 22R, choosing instead to land on runway 22L.
• The aircraft performed a safe landing without further incident.
4. Passenger Continuation:
• A replacement Boeing 767-400, registration N76055, transported passengers to San Juan, arriving with a 6:45-hour delay.
5. Post-Incident Status:
• The occurrence aircraft remains on the ground in Newark approximately 28 hours after landing for inspection and repairs.
Initial Findings
1. Hydraulic Issue:
• The reported low hydraulic quantity was confined to the left-hand hydraulic system.
2. Crew Response:
• The crew followed standard operating procedures, ensuring a safe return to Newark.
3. Passenger Impact:
• Passengers were re-accommodated on a replacement aircraft.
Safety Concerns
1. Hydraulic Systems:
• Hydraulic systems are critical for flight control surfaces, landing gear, and braking. A failure or depletion of hydraulic fluid could pose significant risks during critical phases of flight.
2. Preventive Maintenance:
• The cause of the hydraulic issue, whether due to a leak, faulty component, or wear and tear, needs to be identified and addressed to prevent recurrence.
Investigation and Recommendations
The FAA and United Airlines maintenance teams are investigating the root cause of the hydraulic issue. Preliminary recommendations include:
1. Detailed Inspection:
• Inspect the left-hand hydraulic system for potential leaks, worn seals, or component malfunctions.
2. Hydraulic Fluid Monitoring:
• Implement enhanced monitoring systems for early detection of hydraulic fluid anomalies.
3. Crew Training:
• Reinforce standard operating procedures for handling hydraulic failures, emphasizing decision-making during emergency scenarios.
4. Preventive Maintenance:
• Review and revise maintenance schedules to include more frequent checks of hydraulic systems on the Boeing 767-400 fleet.
Conclusion
This incident highlights the importance of vigilant monitoring and swift action by flight crews in maintaining safety during in-flight technical malfunctions. The ongoing investigation aims to identify the root cause and implement measures to mitigate similar occurrences in the future.
Disclaimer
This report is based on publicly available information as of January 19th, 2025. For inquiries or copyright concerns, contact takedown@cockpitking.com.
