Terrifying moment engine bursts into flames on United Airlines passenger jet taking off for US from China – forcing flight to be abandoned

This is the terrifying moment the engine of a United Airlines passenger jet bursts into flames as it takes off from China.

Dramatic footage shows the US-bound Boeing 777 accelerating along the runway before the right turbofan becomes a ball of fire – forcing the flight to be abandoned.

Officials at Beijing Capital International Airport said that Flight UA889 to San Francisco was cancelled due to a mechanical failure that affected both engines on Monday, May 26.

A frightened passenger aboard the aircraft said: ‘I was sitting by the window, half asleep, when the plane took off. 

‘The nose of the plane should have lifted, and suddenly, the right engine made a noise, and I saw a ball of flame gushing out.’

Another traveller added: ‘We saw countless fire trucks, police cars, ambulances, and engineering vehicles from the shuttle bus. There were as many as 40 or 50 of them, all flashing different lights.’

Local media reported that all passengers and crew members were safe.

United Airlines confirmed that the flight was cancelled due to a technical malfunction.

Affected passengers were offered complimentary re-booking, with additional travel arrangements still being coordinated.

Fire crews at the airport responded swiftly, dousing the engines with fire-suppressing foam.

A United Airlines spokesperson said: ‘United flight 889 from Beijing to San Francisco on Monday aborted its takeoff while still on the ground after losing power in one engine. 

‘The aircraft safely came to a stop and passengers deplaned to buses on the runway. 

‘We have arranged for hotel rooms for our customers and are scheduling a new flight on a different aircraft on Tuesday so they can continue their trip.’

The Boeing 777 is designed to operate for approximately 60,000 flight cycles or 20 to 25 years, based on rigorous testing and simulations under in-service conditions. 

However, with proper maintenance and regulatory approval, many 777s are expected to safely exceed their original design life.

This comes only months after another United Airlines flight caught on fire.

In February, terrified passengers were told to evacuate a jetliner via slides and stairs at Houston’s main airport after the right wing caught fire.

United Airlines flight 1382 to New York City was halted while still on the runway shortly after 8.30am at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, as an engine problem had caused smoke and fire on the wing during take-off.

There were no injuries and passengers were bused back to the terminal, the FAA said.

The take-off was stopped after the Airbus A319 ‘received an indication about one engine,’ the statement said.

This alarming experience came just a month after American Airlines passengers were forced to evacuate their plane when it caught on fire at Denver Airport following mid-air engine trouble.

Shocked passengers were seen fleeing via the wing of the aircraft as smoke billowed from the plane on March 13.

The flight, AA 1006, had departed Colorado Springs Airport at 4:52pm (local time) and was headed to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.

The Boeing 737-800 aircraft was diverted to Denver shortly after takeoff when the crew reported engine vibrations, according to Federal Aviation Administration.

‘After landing and while taxiing to the gate an engine caught fire and passengers evacuated the aircraft using the slides,’ said the FAA.