Rabbit Sucked Into Engine Forces United Airlines Flight to Make Emergency Landing

A United Airlines flight was forced to turn round after fire shot out of its wing

A United Airlines flight was forced to make an emergency landing after a rabbit was reportedly sucked into one of the plane’s engines, igniting a fire mid-air and causing panic among passengers.

The incident occurred on a flight departing from Denver, Colorado, en route to Edmonton, Alberta. The aircraft, carrying 159 passengers, had just taken off when the right engine erupted in flames after the rabbit allegedly became lodged inside it. Witnesses reported seeing a massive fireball shoot out from the engine, prompting immediate concern and an in-flight emergency response.

Passenger Scott Wolff recounted a loud bang as the plane began to vibrate shortly after takeoff. “Every few moments there was a backfire coming from the engine, a giant fireball behind it. Everybody in the plane then started to panic,” he said. Shocking video taken from inside the cabin showed large flames bursting from the engine in a series of fire blasts.

Another witness, Wyatt McCurry, who was on the ground, described feeling a sense of dread when he saw the fire erupting from the aircraft. “My stomach dropped,” he said, watching the blaze trail from the engine.

The aircraft remained in the air for approximately 75 minutes before returning safely to the airport. There were no reported injuries, and the landing was completed without further incident.

An airline spokesperson confirmed the emergency landing and stated, “The aircraft returned to the gate, and we've lined up a new aircraft to get our customers on their way.”

Maintenance crews are now investigating the incident, including the potential wildlife hazard posed by animals on or near airport runways.