United Boeing 767 returns to Geneva after engine problem

A United Airlines Boeing 767-300, registration N686UA, turned back to Geneva Airport on Thursday, August 20, after a problem with its left engine shortly after departure.

The aircraft was flying UA957 to New York-Newark and had climbed to around 23,000 feet when the crew heard a loud noise from the left engine, according to Aviation Herald. They shut the engine down and declared the need to return to Geneva.

The jet landed safely on runway 22 about 40 minutes after takeoff, the report said. No injuries were reported among those on board.

One passenger described hearing a rumbling sound and noticing a smell resembling burnt plastic during the flight. The cause of the engine problem has not yet been determined. United Airlines has not issued a public statement on the incident beyond what was captured in the flight tracking report.

The extent of any damage to the engine was not disclosed, and it remains unclear whether the aircraft resumed service after the return or was taken out of operation for inspection.

Engine shutdowns like this are serious, but crews train for them regularly. Twin-engine aircraft such as the 767 are certified to fly and land safely on a single engine.