A United Airlines Boeing 737 passenger jet takes off at San Antonio International Airport in Texas.

Federal authorities say a United Airlines flight declared an emergency when an engine shut down as the plane was descending into Houston.

Flight 1168 was carrying 174 passengers and six crew members when engine trouble began late Sunday as the plane neared George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston. The Boeing 737-900 was traveling from Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey.

One passenger told Houston media outlets that he heard a loud bang, felt a strong vibration and saw a flash of light.

Another passenger says he saw flames coming from the engine, but a Federal Aviation Administration spokeswoman says emergency responders found no evidence of fire or smoke.

FAA spokeswoman Lynn Lunsford says crews were taking a closer look at the plane Monday.

United spokeswoman Rachael Rivas says some people suffered minor injuries while evacuating the plane.