United Flight 293 had to return to the airport on Sunday, September 29 2019 after departing and then experiencing an issue. The flight departed Denver International Airport bound for Orlando, Fla., but part of the engine cowling peeled back and was flapping in the air stream. The Boeing 737 was airborne for less than an hour total when it landed back i
n Denver. Passengers were rebooked on other flights.
United issue this statement to news media: “United flight 293 from Denver to Orlando returned to the airport due to a mechanical issue with one of the engines. The flight landed safely and taxied to a gate where customers deplaned normally. Customers have departed on a different aircraft to Orlando.”
United sent messages to the passengers that said “We know returning to the airport wasn’t part of your plans today, so we greatly appreciate you hanging in there! Our maintenance team needs to address a technical issue with an engine on your plane before we depart again. We’re doing our best to get you on your way as soon as possible.” And: “Our maintenance team needs more time than we thought to finish their work. To get you on your way, we assigned your flight a new plane arriving shortly from Los Angeles. Once we’ve finished getting the cabin ready, we’ll begin boarding at Gate B47. Delays are very frustrating and we greatly appreciate your patience!”