SATURDAY MAR 25, 2023
×
Search AeroXplorer
United Dreamliner Makes Emergency Landing in American Samoa

United Dreamliner Makes Emergency Landing in American Samoa

BY ADAM SCHUPAK 01/01/2023 AGO 0 COMMENTS

On the evening of December 29, 2022, a United 787 Dreamliner operating flight UA839 departed Los Angeles International Airport bound for Sydney. Unbeknownst to the passengers onboard, they'd likely be spending New Year's in American Samoa instead of their intended destination. 

 

N38955 the B787-9 involved in the emergency landing. Photo: Peter Cuthbert | AeroXplorer


 

An Unfortunate Turn of Events 

 

With just 4 hours remaining in its journey to Sydney, the pilots were notified by their onboard systems (EICAS) of a potential oil leak from Engine 2, the right engine. 

 

An oil leak can be detrimental to the safety of an aircraft in flight, as the oil plays a crucial role in lubricating the components of a jet engine as well as regulating the temperature inside them. If these components aren't protected through oil, an engine can, at best, flame out, and at worst, explode.

 

Photo: Jared Jamel | AeroXplorer

 

Due to this, the pilots of UA839 decided to divert to Pago Pago International Airport (PPG) in American Samoa. The 787 landed on the south Pacific island shortly after 6:00 a.m. Samoa Standard Time (SST) (5:00 p.m. UTC) on Friday. 

 

The passengers of the flight, already dismayed by the fact that they were missing their New Year's celebrations, were burdened by further news that a replacement aircraft had to be sent by the airline due to the degree of severity of the issue plaguing their original plane.

 



ADVERTISEMENT

 

Replacement On The Way! 

 

This was the statement released by United in response to the incident:

 

"Today's flight diverted to Pago Pago to address a mechanical issue, we're making use of our facilities, including available hotel options, to accommodate our customers, and will fly a new aircraft to the island, so they can finish their trip to Sydney soon."

 

N24979 the replacement B787-9 sent to Pago Pago by United. Photo: Peter Cuthbert | AeroXplorer

 

The airline responded rather rapidly. Within the day of the 787 diverting to Pago Pago, another aircraft, a 787-9 registered N24979, was en route from Sydney to collect the stranded passengers. On New Year's Day at 07:00 a.m. local time, the passengers of flight UA839 finally reached their destination after almost 30 hours of travel. 

 

The Boeing 787-9 involved in the incident, N38955, was repaired and headed on to Sydney to continue its intended schedule. 

Adam Schupak
Adam Schupak is a member of the AeroXplorer staff team, writing articles and contributing to their podcast - Aerospace by AeroXplorer. Adam is interested in anything public transport related and is currently training to become a glider pilot.

Comments (0)

Add Your Comment

SHARE

TAGS

NEWS united 787 787-9 unitedairlines americansamoa ppg klax lax sydney

RECENTLY PUBLISHED

Lufthansa To Bring Back A380 On U.S. Routes Lufthansa has officially announced that it will be bringing back its Airbus A380s. Its first post-pandemic routes? The East Coast. Due to higher-than-expected demand, Lufthansa is set to expand service from its Munich hub using the biggest passenger plane in its armory. NEWS READ MORE »
The 5 Best Aviation Books You Should Definitely Read There are many backstories to airlines you have probably never heard of, but books offer a great outlet to find them. Here are five books you should read right now that will provide considerable insight into the aviation industry. INFORMATIONAL READ MORE »
The World's 4 Most Challenging Airports for Pilots Aviation is safer than ever these days, but some airports are so extreme that they cause even the most skilled pilots to become uneasy. This article will break down some of the world's most extreme airports. INFORMATIONAL READ MORE »


SHOP

$2999
NEW!AeroXplorer Aviation Sweater Use code AVGEEK for 10% off! BUY NOW

FOLLOW US ONLINE