Video Shows Flames Coming From Plane; Flight Returns To Newark

NEWARK, NJ — A United Airlines flight was forced to make an emergency landing shortly after leaving Newark Liberty International Airport on Wednesday night. Several passengers posted social media messages about the incident, with one person sharing a video that shows a burst of flames coming from the plane.

A United spokesperson said flight 1871 was destined for Los Angeles, but had to return to Newark due to a “mechanical issue.” The plane had 168 customers and six crew members aboard.

“The flight landed safely and passengers deplaned normally,” the spokesperson said.

United immediately began working on changing aircraft, and the passengers landed at Los Angeles International Airport at 5:23 a.m. on Thursday.

Patch has reached out to Port Authority officials for more information. We will update this article with any reply we receive.

One passenger posted a video of the incident on Twitter, writing that there was an “engine malfunction” minutes after the plane took off.

Another passenger offered a series of tweets about the incident.

"Most terrifying experience of my life," she wrote. "Flight takes off, right wing of the plane (where I'm sitting in the aisle seat) sparking, and now one engine failed. They're making announcements but I can't hear anything because people are screaming."

"People are still flipping out," she added after the plane turned around and headed back to Newark.

When the plane landed, there were fire trucks scattered around the area, she said.

After the passengers were on the ground - and had been given snacks, water and $500 flight vouchers - she offered another update, writing that the airline was "trying to make right" and console the "freaked out" travelers.

"Stuff happens," she commented. "We're safe. It's cool."

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