HOUSTON, TX – A United Airlines flight bound for New York City was halted in dramatic fashion this morning when flames erupted from one of its wings, moments before takeoff from George Bush Intercontinental Airport. Passengers on board Flight 773 were jolted by the sudden stop, which was followed by a chaotic evacuation.
Witnesses described the harrowing scene as the aircraft, which had been picking up speed for takeoff, suddenly came to an abrupt halt, slamming back onto the tarmac. “It felt like the plane was fishtailing,” one passenger recounted, depicting the aircraft’s erratic movements along the runway. Panic set in as smoke began to fill the cabin, prompting passengers to scream and scramble for the exits.
In the ensuing chaos, 104 passengers and crew members managed to evacuate safely, some using the emergency slides to reach the runway. “I thought I was going to die,” said one relieved passenger, who was grateful to be on solid ground once outside. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that takeoff was aborted due to a reported engine issue, and an investigation is now underway to determine the cause.
For some passengers, the incident was a stark reminder of recent aviation tragedies, making the prospect of boarding another flight daunting. One traveler admitted to hesitating before finally reboarding a different aircraft, confessing, “I was the last person. I was scared.”
The airline has assured passengers that safety is its top priority and is cooperating fully with the FAA’s investigation. United Airlines has also offered support to affected passengers, including rebooking options and counseling services for those shaken by the experience.
This incident comes amid heightened awareness of aviation safety, as airlines continue to emphasize rigorous maintenance and safety checks. The aviation industry is under constant scrutiny to prevent such occurrences and ensure passenger safety.
As authorities work to determine the exact cause of this morning’s engine malfunction, travelers are reminded of the complex systems and expert coordination that keep air travel one of the safest modes of transportation.