DENVER, CO – A rare and unexpected incident unfolded on the runway of Denver International Airport, leading to an emergency situation mid-air for a United Airlines flight. The ordeal began when a rabbit, a most unusual suspect, found its way into the engine of a Boeing 737 just as it was taking off.
The flight, bound for Edmonton, carried 159 passengers who experienced a terrifying few moments as a loud bang echoed through the cabin. Flames erupted from the right engine, causing significant vibrations and panic among those on board. Passengers watched in horror as the engine backfired repeatedly, sending fireballs trailing behind the aircraft.
As the aircraft continued its ascent, the situation on the ground was equally tense. Witnesses could see the blaze from afar, fearing the worst. “My stomach dropped,” said one observer, who anticipated witnessing a disaster.
Inside the cockpit, the pilots were faced with a series of critical decisions. Initially concerned that the engine fire might affect the landing gear, they worked swiftly to assess the situation. Despite the chaos, the crew managed to maintain control, eventually deciding to turn the plane around.
After 75 nerve-wracking minutes in the air, the flight safely returned to Denver. United Airlines confirmed the safe landing, crediting the quick actions of the flight crew for averting a potential catastrophe.
While wildlife strikes are not uncommon in aviation, with the Federal Aviation Administration reporting over 20,000 such incidents last year in the U.S. alone, a rabbit strike is an anomaly. Only four incidents involving rabbits were reported, highlighting the rarity of this event.
The incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of air travel and the critical importance of pilot training and preparedness in emergency situations.