United 757 Lands Safely at Newark After Engine Failure

Pilots make controlled landing after left engine shuts down during final approach

Mar. 22, 2026 at 9:04pm by Ben Kaplan

A United Airlines Boeing 757-200 operating flight UA2011 from San Francisco to Newark experienced a left engine failure during final approach. The pilots promptly declared an emergency but decided to continue the landing, completing a safe touchdown on runway 4R at Newark Liberty International Airport. No injuries were reported among passengers or crew, and the aircraft was able to taxi to the gate under its own power after inspection.

Why it matters

Engine failures during landing are serious incidents that require quick decision-making by pilots to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. This event highlights the importance of effective risk management and coordination between flight crews, air traffic control, and emergency response teams to achieve a controlled outcome in challenging situations.

The details

The United Airlines 757-200, registration N17104, reported high Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT) in the left engine shortly before landing at Newark. This quickly escalated into a confirmed engine failure, prompting the pilots to declare an emergency. However, they opted to continue the approach, rather than execute a go-around, which the air traffic controller offered. The pilots' decision-making reflected standard aviation practices to minimize workload and maintain a controlled landing environment. After touching down safely, the aircraft was inspected by emergency crews before being cleared to taxi to the gate.

  • The incident occurred during the final approach into Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) on March 22, 2026.
  • The pilots declared an emergency and reported the left engine failure moments before landing.

The players

United Airlines

A major U.S. airline and subsidiary of United Continental Holdings.

Newark Liberty International Airport

A major international airport located in Newark, New Jersey, serving the New York metropolitan area.

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What they’re saying

“We're going to continue to land.”

— United 2011 Pilot

“Good job, guys.”

— Air Traffic Controller

“That was impressive.”

— Air Traffic Controller

What’s next

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will investigate the cause of the engine failure and review the pilots' actions and decision-making during the incident.

The takeaway

This incident demonstrates the importance of thorough pilot training, effective coordination between aviation stakeholders, and robust emergency response procedures in ensuring the safety of air travel, even in the face of unexpected mechanical failures.