A United Airlines Boeing 777-200ER flying to Munich was forced to return to Houston on Friday evening after experiencing a problem with one of its engines. All passengers and crew remained safe.
The aircraft, operating as Flight UA102 from George Bush Intercontinental Airport to Munich on June 19, had just departed when the right-side No. 2 engine began producing loud banging sounds and visible flashes.
Passengers reported hearing multiple loud noises during the event, including former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III, who said the aircraft experienced a series of unusual bangs shortly after takeoff.
The issue was identified as a compressor stall, a condition where airflow inside the engine becomes disrupted, causing loud sounds and visible flashes. While alarming, pilots are trained to manage such situations.
The crew leveled the aircraft, shut down the affected engine as a precaution, and safely returned to Houston. The Boeing 777 continued flying on its remaining engine and landed around 40 minutes after departure, where emergency crews met the aircraft before it was inspected.
There were 280 people onboard, including 267 passengers and 13 crew members, with no injuries reported.
United arranged another Boeing 777 to continue the journey to Munich later that night. The aircraft involved, registered N78009, is a 27-year-old 777-200ER that previously operated for Continental Airlines before joining United’s fleet after the merger.
The incident highlights how aircraft systems, crew training, and safety procedures are designed to handle unexpected technical issues while keeping passengers safe.
