Emergency on the Runway as United Flight Aborts Takeoff
A United Airlines flight from Brisbane to San Francisco was forced to make a dramatic emergency stop on the runway after its left engine reportedly caught fire during takeoff. The incident involving United Airlines flight UA97, a Boeing 777, created a tense scene at Brisbane Airport and caused significant disruptions.
The aircraft had begun its takeoff roll on the western runway but never became airborne. Instead, it came to a halt, with the pilots reporting they had received an engine indication prior to takeoff. Emergency services, including fire crews, rushed to the scene to assist the disabled aircraft.
Royal Coincidence on the Tarmac
Adding a remarkable twist to the event, the emergency unfolded just moments after Princess Anne had touched down in Queensland's capital. The Princess Royal arrived on a commercial Qantas flight from Sydney and was taxiing to the gate when the two aircraft crossed paths on the tarmac.
Princess Anne was in Brisbane to lay a wreath at the Gallipoli Barracks in honour of Remembrance Day. Her schedule proceeded as planned following the unrelated incident on the airfield.
Passenger Disruptions and Return to Normal Operations
In the aftermath of the aborted takeoff, United Airlines confirmed there were no reported injuries. The airline took responsibility for its passengers, providing hotel accommodation and rebooking them on alternative flights.
The legacy runway was closed for routine maintenance at the time, meaning the temporary blockage of the western runway caused further delays. Two aircraft were diverted to the Sunshine Coast and one to the Gold Coast as a result.
Brisbane Airport confirmed that the aircraft later relocated off the runway under its own power and that all operations have since returned to normal. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has been notified of the rejected takeoff and is gathering further information for a potential investigation.
