No fatalities

Uncommanded Evacuation Following Engine Start Indication (N648UA)

Miami, FL, US

On January 1, 1994, a Boeing 767-322 (registration N648UA) operated by United Airlines Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Miami, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: EMERGENCY PROCEDURE INITIATED BY AN UNQUALIFIED PERSON. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered N648UA
Aircraft registered N648UA. Photo: Luis Argerich from Buenos Aires, Argentina / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

During start of the #2 engine, a passenger observed a flame aft of the exhaust, shouted 'fire', and deployed an emergency slide, prompting an uncommanded evacuation. The captain later directed additional door openings and stopped the evacuation.

Event Description

The airplane had been pushed from the gate and the #1 engine had been started. During the start sequence of the #2 engine, the flight crew observed a high fuel flow indication. Simultaneously, a passenger seated on the right side of the airplane saw a flame aft of the exhaust. The passenger shouted "fire," opened the #2L door, and deployed the emergency escape slide.

Evacuation

Following the passenger's actions, the remaining passengers began an uncommanded evacuation of the airplane. A flight attendant informed the captain that the remaining passengers wanted to evacuate. The captain then directed that the #1L and #1R doors be opened and the emergency escape slides utilized. The captain secured both engines and entered the cabin.

Aftermath

Upon entering the cabin, the captain stopped the evacuation of the remaining 24 people aboard the airplane. No further actions were reported. The investigation did not state any injuries or damage beyond the deployment of the slides.

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Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Jan 1994 Boeing 767-322 accident near Miami, FL?

During start of the #2 engine, a passenger observed a flame aft of the exhaust, shouted 'fire', and deployed an emergency slide, prompting an uncommanded evacuation. The captain later directed additional door openings and stopped the evacuation.

Were there any fatalities in the 1 Jan 1994 Boeing 767-322 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 Jan 1994 involved a Boeing 767-322, registration N648UA, operated by United Airlines Inc., at Miami, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

EMERGENCY PROCEDURE INITIATED BY AN UNQUALIFIED PERSON.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X00659. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.