A passenger flight from Europe to the United States diverted to Shannon Airport this afternoon after the crew reported an issue with one of the jet’s two engines.
United Airlines flight UA-509 was en route from Fiumicino Airport in Rome, Italy to Newark, New Jersey at the time. There were 227 passengers and crew on board.
The Boeing 767-424(ER) jet was about 400 kilometres south of Ireland and around 550 kilometres from Shannon when the crew alerted air traffic controllers to their issue and requested clearance to divert to Shannon.
The pilot reported a vibration in the right engine and confirmed the engine was still running but at idle. The crew also advised controllers that there was a smell in the cabin.
Authorities at Shannon Airport were advised of the unscheduled arrival while the airport’s own fire and rescue service was also alerted. The flight crew had requested that fire crews be available to meet the aircraft on arrival.
The flight landed safely at 3.57pm and was pursued along the runway by airport fire and rescue vehicles. The aircraft was able to vacate the runway under its own power and stopped briefly on a taxiway so that fire crews could carry out a visual inspection of the engine.
The crew had earlier confirmed they would be making an overweight landing, so fire crews also checked the undercarriage to ensure it hadn’t over heated. Shortly afterwards, the crew taxied their jet to the terminal building accompanied by fire service vehicles.
A comment is awaited from United Airlines however the company’s website stated that the aircraft diverted for “aircraft maintenance inspection.”
It’s also not yet clear whether the aircraft will continue its journey today or will be cancelled.
In May, a Virgin Airlines flight from London to Jamaica diverted to Shannon after the crew declared an emergency and confirmed they were operating on one engine.
After an issue arose with the jet’s number 2 engine, Virgin Atlantic flight VS-165 turned around over the Atlantic and made an emergency landing at Shannon.
The Airbus A330-941 jet landed safely but remained in Shannon for three weeks undergoing maintenance before it returned to London and re-entered service.