United Airlines Flight to Newark Makes Emergency Landing, 160 Injured Passengers Removed
On February 25, 2025, United Airlines Flight 1544, a Boeing 757-200 carrying 176 passengers and six crew members, departed from Newark Liberty International Airport en route to Las Vegas’ Harry Reid International Airport. Approximately an hour into the flight, the aircraft experienced a mechanical issue, prompting the pilots to return to Newark as a precautionary measure. The plane landed safely, and all passengers deplaned normally at the gate. United Airlines arranged for a different aircraft to transport the passengers to their destination in Las Vegas. The specific mechanical problem that led to the emergency landing was not immediately identified.
In September 2024, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued urgent safety recommendations concerning Boeing 737 aircraft after an incident involving a United Airlines 737 MAX 8, where the rudder pedals jammed during a landing at Newark. Fortunately, there were no injuries among the 161 passengers and crew. The NTSB recommended that Boeing inform flight crews about the potential for rudder control system jams due to moisture in the actuators and develop appropriate responses for such situations. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reviewed these recommendations and considered further steps, including the potential removal of certain actuators produced by Collins Aerospace, which were improperly assembled and could pose a risk. United Airlines had already replaced the affected components in their fleet, and there were no 737s in the U.S. operating with the problematic actuators at that time.
Reuters
On June 29, 2019, a United Airlines flight experienced hydraulics problems and was forced to make an emergency landing at Newark Liberty International Airport. The plane’s two left main tires blew upon landing, causing structural damage and leading to the temporary closure of the runway. Passengers were escorted off the plane and taken to the terminal by bus, with some suffering minor injuries. The airport resumed flights nearly an hour later.
CBS News
In September 2022, a United Airlines flight bound for São Paulo, Brazil, experienced a mechanical problem shortly after takeoff from Newark Liberty International Airport. The aircraft remained in the air to burn fuel before landing safely back at Newark. An initial maintenance inspection suggested an issue with a hydraulic pump. All 256 passengers on board deplaned at the gate, and a new aircraft was scheduled to depart later that morning.
CNN
On March 29, 2024, United Airlines Flight 85, traveling from Tel Aviv, Israel, to Newark Liberty International Airport, encountered severe turbulence, resulting in injuries to 22 passengers. The Boeing 787 was diverted to New York Stewart International Airport, where it landed safely around 6:45 p.m. local time. Seven passengers were taken to the hospital for observation, while 15 others were treated on the scene for minor injuries. The FAA initiated an investigation into the
These incidents underscore the importance of rigorous maintenance protocols, continuous safety evaluations, and prompt responses to in-flight issues to ensure passenger safety. United Airlines and aviation authorities continue to work together to address mechanical concerns and enhance safety measures across the industry.
