A United Airlines passenger plane en route from Denver International Airport in the United States to Edmonton, Canada, suffered an engine failure during take-off after colliding with an animal. The aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing.
Dramatic footage from the incident showed flames bursting from the aircraft’s right engine, lighting up the sky. The Boeing 737-800, operating as flight 2325, was carrying 153 passengers and 6 crew members.
“I Think We’ve Lost Our Right Engine”
Radio communications between the pilot and air traffic control at the time were recorded by LiveATC.net. In response to the controller’s warning “There’s a small burst from the right engine now and then” the pilot replied:
“Yes, confirmed. I think we’ve lost our right engine.”
Moments later, the pilot declared an emergency and requested to return to the airport. “We’re working on a report of a fire on the wing,” the pilot said, also asking for emergency crews to be ready for landing.
Rabbit on the Runway, Engine Catches Fire
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stated that the crew reported hitting an animal during take-off. Although the exact species was not confirmed, a rabbit was reportedly seen on the runway at the time. The control tower also warned other pilots to “watch for rabbit activity.”
Another United pilot radioed in, saying, “A rabbit was reported… heading towards your runway. We might’ve run over them.” A Frontier Airlines pilot added jokingly, “We’re bigger than they are,” though the incident was far from a joke for United flight 2325.
Fire Services Respond, Passengers Rebooked on New Aircraft
Officials at Denver Airport said fire crews were dispatched to the runway as per standard protocol. The aircraft returned safely to the gate, and passengers were later flown to Edmonton on a different plane.
Ongoing Wildlife Hazard at Denver Airport
According to the FAA’s Wildlife Strike Database, over 800 wildlife collisions were recorded at Denver International Airport last year alone. While most involved birds, rabbits, prairie dogs, coyotes, and bats also made the list.
