United Airlines plane engine shoots out fire after hitting an animal on takeoff

CNN - Apr 17th, 2025

A United Airlines Boeing 737-800 suffered an engine fire after colliding with an animal during takeoff from Denver International Airport, prompting an emergency return. United flight 2325 was en route to Edmonton, Canada, carrying 153 passengers and six crew members. The incident was captured in dramatic video footage, and air traffic control audio revealed exchanges about the engine malfunction and subsequent fire. The aircraft safely returned to Denver, where passengers were transferred to another plane to continue their journey. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the animal strike, though the species was not specified.

The event highlights ongoing challenges with wildlife strikes at airports, with Denver International reporting over 800 such incidents last year. While most collisions involved birds, some involved mammals like rabbits, which were noted near the runway at the time of the accident. The incident underlines the importance of wildlife management at airports to prevent such hazardous occurrences and ensure passenger safety. This emergency incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers posed by wildlife, necessitating vigilant monitoring and preventive measures by aviation authorities.

Faa United Airlines Boeing 737 800 Emergency Landing Air Traffic Control Denver International Airport Wildlife Strike

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.6

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The news story provides a largely accurate and clear account of an aviation incident involving United Airlines flight UA2325. It effectively uses credible sources and presents the sequence of events in a coherent manner. While the article is engaging and timely, it could benefit from more balanced perspectives and in-depth analysis to enhance its public interest and impact. The inclusion of lighthearted elements in the narrative may detract from the seriousness of the situation, affecting the story's overall balance. Despite these minor shortcomings, the article successfully raises awareness about the risks of wildlife strikes and the importance of aviation safety protocols.

Accuracy

The story is largely accurate in its depiction of the incident involving United Airlines flight UA2325. It correctly states that the aircraft hit an animal during takeoff from Denver International Airport, leading to an engine fire and an emergency landing. However, the specific type of animal struck was not confirmed, though rabbits were mentioned as being present on the runway. This lack of specificity slightly affects the story's precision. The account of air traffic control communications and emergency procedures aligns with standard aviation protocols, further supporting the story's accuracy. However, the exact cause of the engine fire and the full details of the emergency response require verification.

Balance

The article presents a balanced account of the incident by including perspectives from various stakeholders, such as the pilots, air traffic control, and the FAA. It also provides context about wildlife strikes at the airport, which adds depth to the story. However, the article could be more balanced by including comments from passengers or additional expert opinions on aviation safety. The light-hearted tone in quoting a Frontier pilot's joke may detract from the seriousness of the incident, impacting the overall balance.

Clarity

The article is clearly written, with a logical flow and straightforward language that makes it easy to understand. The sequence of events is presented in a coherent manner, and the use of direct quotes adds to the narrative's clarity. However, some readers might find the lighthearted tone in parts of the article, such as the inclusion of a pilot's joke, slightly inappropriate given the context of an emergency situation.

Source quality

The story cites credible sources such as the FAA, air traffic control audio from LiveATC.net, and statements from Denver Airport's Public Information Officer. These sources are reliable and authoritative, providing a solid basis for the article's claims. However, the story could be strengthened by including direct quotes from passengers or additional expert commentary on the implications of wildlife strikes on aviation safety.

Transparency

The article is transparent in its sourcing, citing specific audio recordings and official statements. However, it lacks detailed information on how the data from the FAA's Wildlife Strike Database was obtained and interpreted. Greater transparency regarding the investigation's progress and any potential conflicts of interest would enhance the article's credibility.