United Airlines Flight with 737 Suffers Engine Fire
April 17, 2025
On April 13, 2025, United Airlines Flight 2325, a Boeing 737-800 en route from Denver International Airport to Edmonton, Alberta, experienced an engine fire shortly after takeoff. The incident was caused by a rabbit being sucked into the aircraft’s right engine during departure. All 153 passengers and six crew members were unharmed, and the aircraft returned safely to Denver.
The Incident
Shortly after takeoff, passengers and bystanders observed loud noises, heavy vibrations, and visible fire and sparks emanating from the right engine. One passenger described seeing a “giant fireball,” leading to panic onboard. The pilots initially suspected a malfunction with the landing gear but later identified the engine fire as the primary issue. The aircraft remained airborne for approximately 75 minutes before safely landing back in Denver, where emergency services were on standby.
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Wildlife Strikes: A Rare Occurrence
While wildlife strikes are not uncommon—over 20,000 were reported in the U.S. in the previous year—incidents involving rabbits are rare. Only four such incidents were reported in 2024, making this event both unusual and dangerous.
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Response and Investigation
United Airlines promptly arranged an alternative aircraft to transport the affected passengers to their destination. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the incident to determine the exact circumstances and to assess potential preventive measures.
Conclusion
The incident underscores the importance of wildlife management at airports and the need for continued vigilance to ensure passenger safety. As investigations continue, authorities aim to implement measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future
