United flight from Denver has engine failure, drops debris on neighborhoods

A United Airlines flight 328 experienced an engine malfunction in the beginning of its flight from Denver, Co., to Honolulu, dropping metal debris from the aircraft into neighborhoods just northwest of the state’s capital city, according to local police. 

United Airlines in a statement to The Hill confirmed that engine #2 on the Boeing 777 experienced a failure shortly after departure around 12 p.m., adding that the plane landed safely at Denver International Airport.

The airline also said that no one onboard the aircraft was injured, and upon arrival at the airport the plane was met by emergency crews “as a precaution.” 

Following the engine’s failure, the Broomfield Police Department said it started receiving reports of the plane’s engine trouble, as well as dropped debris in several local neighborhoods. 

Photos shared by the police department on Twitter showed a large, circular metal piece of the plane that had landed right outside of a person’s house. 

This photo was taken near 13th and Elmwood. Media stage in Commons Park on North side near dog park. PIO eta is 30 mins. pic.twitter.com/vfXlToB5mE

— Broomfield Police (@BroomfieldPD) February 20, 2021

Another photo of debris from a home off Elmwood in @broomfield. pic.twitter.com/VXEHEMpeDD

— Broomfield Police (@BroomfieldPD) February 20, 2021

Police later shared images of debris found scattered across a local park that appeared to be from the plane’s engine. 

Additional debris scattered across turf field at Commons Park. Please avoid the area if possible. pic.twitter.com/tmos5HBVwV

— Broomfield Police (@BroomfieldPD) February 20, 2021

The department said that they have not received reports of any injuries, but told residents to immediately call 9-1-1 if they were hurt by any fallen debris. 

Video recorded by a local resident and published by local outlet KDVR showed a large, commercial airliner flying low in the sky with a line of smoke streaming from one of its engines. 

The local news outlet reported that the plane was able to turn back to the Denver airport and land safely around 1:30 p.m. 

Broomfield police tweeted that the National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the engine failure, and asked individuals to not touch or remove any debris found throughout neighborhoods in order to assist the agency in their investigation. 

Broomfield Police Department told The Hill that it had nothing to add at this time beyond what it tweeted. 

Updated 7:12 p.m.