March 2, 2026 — Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) — United Airlines Flight UA2127, a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner with registration N24972, made an emergency landing and evacuated 256 passengers and 12 crew members via slides after reporting smoke, flashes and fire indications from the left engine shortly after takeoff from LAX bound for Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).
The flight departed Runway 25R at approximately 10:43 a.m. PST. Passengers on the left side observed smoke and intermittent flashes from the wing/engine upon takeoff. About 15-20 minutes into the flight, the crew declared an emergency, shut down the left engine and diverted back to LAX, landing safely on Runway 25L around 11:19 a.m. PST, according to the Aviation Safety Network.
Post-landing smoke led to the full evacuation onto a taxiway using emergency slides and airstairs. All aboard were bused to the terminal unharmed. A temporary ground stop was issued and one runway briefly closed, causing delays for incoming flights.
Pilot Communications and Evacuation
One pilot radioed firefighters:
“We’re getting fire indications still, so we are going to need to evacuate.”
The other pilot added:
“People are going to be coming out the right side, the side toward the runway. We would prefer to stay right here and just get people off… We have another indication, it came back on that we have a fire on the left engine.”
Pilots had deployed both engine extinguishers but warnings persisted, per CNN.
A passenger video showed flight attendants directing: “Come this way! Jump and slide!” and “Get away from the plane! Leave all bags behind!” as people streamed across the tarmac.
Official Statements and Aftermath
The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) assisted with the evacuation on Runway 25 area, monitoring the engine with no active fire confirmed.
United Airlines stated:
“United flight 2127 safely returned to Los Angeles to address an issue with one of the engines. Customers deplaned via slides and airstairs and were bused to the terminal. There are no reported injuries at this time. We’re working to get our customers to their final destinations.”
A replacement aircraft was dispatched to Newark, the airline confirmed via Fox News.
Investigation
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating the left engine issue. No NTSB involvement has been reported.
The 2018-manufactured aircraft sustained unknown damage. No cause has been determined.
