United Flight Makes Emergency Landing in Los Angeles

Engine issue forces plane to return shortly after takeoff

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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A United Airlines flight from Los Angeles to Newark was forced to make an emergency landing on Monday after suffering an engine issue shortly after takeoff. The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner with 256 passengers and 12 crew onboard returned safely to Los Angeles, where passengers deplaned via slides and airstairs. There were no reported injuries.

Why it matters

Engine issues on commercial flights are rare but can pose serious risks to passenger safety. This incident highlights the importance of rigorous aircraft maintenance and the ability of pilots and air traffic control to respond quickly to in-flight emergencies.

The details

United Airlines Flight 2127 was bound for Newark Liberty International Airport when it experienced an engine issue shortly after departing Los Angeles. The Federal Aviation Administration briefly issued a ground stop at Los Angeles as a result, and video showed smoke coming from the left engine. Passengers were bused to the terminal after deplaning on the taxiway.

  • The flight departed Los Angeles around 2:20 p.m. ET on Monday, March 2, 2026.
  • The emergency landing occurred shortly after takeoff.

The players

United Airlines

A major U.S. airline that operates the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft involved in this incident.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The U.S. government agency responsible for regulating and overseeing civil aviation, which issued a ground stop in response to the emergency landing.

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What they’re saying

“There were no reported injuries.”

— United Airlines (Reuters)

What’s next

The FAA will investigate the cause of the engine issue and work with United Airlines to ensure the aircraft is thoroughly inspected and repaired before returning to service.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of robust aircraft maintenance and the ability of pilots and air traffic control to respond quickly to in-flight emergencies to ensure passenger safety.