Plane passengers evacuated using slides as jet makes emergency landing following 'engine failure'
The Boeing Jet had been airborne for around an hour before it was forced to circle back to Los Angeles
A United Airlines flight with over 250 people on board was forced to make an emergency landing in Los Angeles after it reportedly suffered an engine failure.
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Passengers had to use the plane's emergency evacuation slides after landing back at LAX, where it had previously taken off, headed for Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey.
Video footage captured on social media then shows people fleeing Flight UA 2127 on the runway once they reach the ground.
There were reportedly 256 passengers and 12 crew on board. Flight tracking data from FlightAware shows the Boeing 787 departed Terminal 7 at approximately 10:15am, but the Los Angeles Fire Department received reports of an engine malfunction on board around an hour later.
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🚨Exclusive video: A United 787 lands at LAX and emergency slides are deployed—engine catches fire after landing! Seen live on Airline Videos Live, March 2nd, 2026. pic.twitter.com/GlgnDUHTVx
— AIRLINE VIDEOS (@airlinevideos) March 2, 2026
The plane was then forced to circle back towards LAX, where fire crews arrived to bring the smoking engine under control.
Despite the chaos, just one passenger suffered a minor hand injury, the California Post reported.
The Federal Aviation Administration has now launched an investigation.
United Airlines also confirmed the landing, telling the publication: "United flight 2127 safely returned to Los Angeles to address an issue with one of the engines.
"Customers deplaned via slides and airstairs and were bused to the terminal. There are no reported injuries at this time. We’re working to get our customers to their final destinations.
"There are no reported injuries at this time. We’re working to get our customers to their final destinations."
A spokesperson for the LAFD also stated: "LAFD crews have confirmed United flight #2127 has landed safely and is clear of all passengers and crew members following reported engine problems."