United Airlines flight makes emergency landing in Newark due to engine problem

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United Airlines says a flight heading to Los Angeles had to return to Newark Liberty International Airport to make an emergency landing Wednesday night because of an engine problem.

"United 1871 from Newark, New Jersey to Los Angeles returned to Newark due to a mechanical issue. The flight landed safely and passengers deplaned normally," said spokeswoman Kimberly Gibbs. "We are working on changing aircraft to get our customers to their destination as soon as possible."

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The plane had just taken off from Newark Liberty International Airport when the right wing sparked and an engine failed, United passenger Nicole Adamo posted on Twitter.

"Most terrifying experience of my life. ... Flight takes off, Right wing of the plane (where I’m sitting in the aisle seat) sparking & now one engine failed," she tweeted. "They're making announcements but I can't hear anything because people are screaming."

Most terrifying experience of my life. Flight delayed 2 hours for Maintence issues. Flight takes off, Right wing of the plane (where I’m sitting in the aisle seat) sparking & now one engine failed. They’re making announcements but i can’t hear anything b/c people are screaming. — Nicole Adamo (@Nickilishious) January 16, 2020

Fire trucks were dispatched to meet the plane upon its landing at Newark Airport.

United Airlines flight 1871 was scheduled to fly out of Newark at 7 p.m. EST However, according to a later post from Adamo, passengers had to wait until nearly 2 a.m. for a new plane to take themto Los Angeles.

They’re circling. Turning around. Trying to land back in Newark. My stepdad has worked for @united for 30+ years. He called for me to check. We are going back. People still flipping out. I’ve never seen/felt an engine light on fire and burst like this. It was honestly scary. — Nicole Adamo (@Nickilishious) January 16, 2020

The plane I was on had an engine malfunction minutes after take off 😳 pic.twitter.com/maaGiLHD24 — Gabby (@gabby_guzy) January 16, 2020

Update ↩️ DIVERSION RETURN

United #UA1871 to Los Angeles returned safely to Newark with an engine issue. Landed runway 22R and taxiing to gate. https://t.co/JL0tyBE2rQ pic.twitter.com/GXOlq7lqy6 — Tom Podolec Aviation (@TomPodolec) January 16, 2020

Keldy Ortiz is a breaking news reporter for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to all the major news happening in North Jersey, subscribe here. To get breaking news directly to your inbox, sign up for our newsletter.

Email: ortizk@northjersey.com Twitter: @KeldyOrtiz