A terrifying moment for 241 people on board United Flight 328 occurred Saturday, when the #2 engine on the Boeing 777 suffered a catastrophic failure, igniting and shedding debris all over northern Colorado.
The flight was bound for Hawaii, but returned immediately to Denver International Airport shortly after its departure and subsequent engine trouble. No injuries were reported from crew or passengers, though video captured a great cheer of relief when the plane touched down safely.
Debris from the plane fell from the sky, with much of it landing in Commons Park and the surrounding neighborhoods. Police said they were "beyond grateful" that no one was injured.
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That the explosion and disintegration of the engine‘a outer casing took place shortly after takeoff is no small detail given that the plane was bound for Hawaii. Though Boeing 777 aircraft are designed to be able to fly great distances on one engine if necessary, the circumstance would not be ideal since the flight to Hawaii from the west coast of the United States is one of the longest stretches with no emergency landing strip on the globe.
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the incident.
