Boeing 777s have been grounded around the world after the United States aviation regulator announced an investigation into the United Airlines flight that suffered an engine failure on Saturday, showering debris over homes in Denver.
The aircraft’s manufacturer recommended the grounding of all 777s using the same Pratt and Whitney 4000 engines, which includes scores operating across the US, Japan and South Korea.
United had already announced that it would voluntarily and temporarily remove 24 of its planes from active service while investigations are carried out.
And following the incident, which saw the afflicted aircraft return to land safely at Denver International Airport, Japan’s transport ministry also directed Japan Airlines (JAL) and ANA Holdings to suspend the use of 777s with P&W4000 engines.
Passengers on February 20 flight described a large explosion shortly after take-off, and video from inside the plane showed the right engine engulfed in flames.
Engine failure on Boeing 777 United aircraft. Plane took off from Denver and returned safely in 20 minutes. Engine parts fell soon after take off. Pilots flew the aircraft back safely. Look at the engine, it's hardly in shape. pic.twitter.com/gByQ9Sj85q
— Nagarjun Dwarakanath (@nagarjund) February 21, 2021
Later, police in Colorado released pictures that showed large pieces of plane debris on the ground outside a home and in a field, where witnesses said they were forced to run inside to take cover.
