United Airlines flight returns to Hartford after part of engine fails

A United Airlines Airbus A320 flight, en route to Denver, was forced to return to its departure airport after part of the engine's soundproof outer skin fell off during takeoff. The incident, which occurred shortly after the flight took off from Bradley International Airport in Hartford at around 8:45 a.m. local time on Thursday, caused an “abnormal noise” but did not cause any injured

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that crew members heard the plane's unusual sound, prompting the decision to turn back. A United Airlines spokesman said the flight returned to Bradley “to address an engine issue.” They also revealed that “part of the engine's sound-proof outer cladding was found on the runway.”

The flight was carrying 124 passengers and five crew members, all of whom “disembarked normally” after arriving in Hartford, the airline said in a statement. United Airlines arranged for alternate flights for affected passengers to arrive in Denver.

This incident adds to the recent problems faced by Airbus planes. An Air New Zealand A320 flight experienced severe turbulence on Tuesday, resulting in a passenger being scalded by hot coffee and a crew member hitting the cabin ceiling. In April, an Austrian Airlines A320neo flight collided with an aircraft bridge, causing significant damage to its tail. Airbus has not yet responded to requests for comment on these incidents.