Rabbit strike causes engine fire, emergency landing
A United flight which took off from Denver has to turn around and effect an emergency landing due to an engine fire.
The fire was caused by a rabbit.
Authorities say the rabbit was sucked into the engine on the runway before takeoff.
The flight to Edmonton, Alberta landed again in Denver.
“Our flight from Denver to Edmonton returned safely to Denver to address a possible wildlife strike. The aircraft returned to the gate, and we lined up a new aircraft to get our customers on their way,” a United Airlines spokesperson said.
“It was a loud bang, and a significant vibration on the plane,” said passenger Scott Wolff.
“We proceeded to still climb,” he said before the engine burst into flames. “Every few moments, there was a backfire coming from the engine.”
He said passengers began to panic.
According to air traffic control audio, the pilot suspected the fire may have damaged the landing gear so the plane stayed in the air for about one hour
The FAA is investigating.
There are thousands of animal strikes each year – mostly airborne strikes by birds – but those involving rabbits are rare.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Airbnb eyes a loyalty program but details remain under wraps