A United Airlines flight from Denver, Colorado to Edmonton, Canada was forced to return to the airport after a rabbit was sucked into one of its engines, causing it to catch fire midair.
The incident happened on April 13 at Denver International Airport and involved a plane carrying 153 passengers and six crew members. Sparks were seen flying from the aircraft’s engine, as captured in a video broadcast by Good Morning America. The plane remained airborne for about 75 minutes before making a safe landing.
“A possible wildlife strike” prompted the emergency return, according to a United Airlines spokesperson. “The aircraft returned to the gate, and we lined up a new aircraft to get our customers on their way,” the airline said.
Audio from Live Air Traffic Control captured the moment the pilot reported the situation: “Rabbit through the number 2, that’ll do it, alright.” Another transmission revealed concerns about the landing gear. “The landing gear, we have indications, is now locked up,” a pilot said during the ordeal.
Passenger Scott Wolff described the chaotic experience, saying he heard a “loud bang” followed by “a significant vibration on the plane.” Despite the engine fire, the plane continued to climb, he added, noting a “giant fireball” trailing the aircraft and loud backfires.
On the ground, witness Wyatt McCurry said her “stomach dropped” watching the plane overhead. “I just thought, ‘I’m gonna see a plane go down,’” she recalled.
The Federal Aviation Administration is now investigating the incident.
