A United Airlines Boeing 757-200 aircraft recently experienced two engine-related diversions within two days. The plane, registered N17133, is currently grounded in Shannon, Ireland, following the incidents. Both events involved engine problems, leading to unexpected returns to Irish airports.
Key Takeaways
- United Airlines Boeing 757-200 diverted twice in two days.
- Both diversions were due to separate engine problems.
- The aircraft is now stranded in Shannon, Ireland.
- The first incident occurred on a Dublin to Washington Dulles flight with passengers.
- The second incident happened on a repositioning flight with no passengers.
First Diversion: Dublin to Washington Dulles
The sequence of events began on September 17. United Airlines flight UA-711 departed from Dublin, Ireland. Its destination was Washington Dulles International Airport in the United States. The aircraft, a 26-year-old Boeing 757-200, carried passengers for this transatlantic journey.
Shortly after takeoff, the plane climbed to its cruising altitude of 36,000 feet. However, the flight did not proceed far over the west coast of Ireland. The pilots reported an unspecified engine problem. They then made a U-turn and returned to Dublin.
The landing back in Dublin was safe. Passengers on board were rebooked onto other flights. The aircraft was then taken out of service for maintenance work on its engine. This grounding was necessary to address the reported issue.
Aircraft Details
- Model: Boeing 757-200
- Registration: N17133
- First Flight: 1998 (Age: 26 years)
- Engines: 2x Rolls-Royce RB211 turbofan engines
Second Diversion: Dublin to Newark Repositioning
Two days later, on September 19, the same aircraft was scheduled for another flight. This time, United Airlines intended to fly the plane from Dublin to Newark. The purpose was to reposition the aircraft to resume its regular schedule the next day. There were no passengers on board for this flight, which proved fortunate.
According to Flight Radar 24, the aircraft climbed to 36,000 feet once more. However, the pilots again encountered an engine issue. They reported that the left-hand engine was 'degraded.' This led to another unexpected return to Ireland.
The aircraft landed safely in Shannon, Ireland. It has remained there since the incident. This marks the second diversion for the same plane due to engine problems within a short period.
“The decision to fly the plane without passengers for repositioning proved to be quite fortunate given the subsequent engine issue,” an unnamed aviation source stated, highlighting the safety aspect of the empty flight.
Current Status and Passenger Compensation
The Boeing 757-200, N17133, is currently still in Shannon. Flight tracking data from Flight Radar 24 indicates plans for a potential flight back to Newark on Sunday. This would also be a positioning flight, meaning it would operate without passengers.
For passengers on the initial UA-711 flight from Dublin, compensation may be applicable. Under European Union's EC-261 passenger rights rules, travelers affected by mechanical issues leading to significant delays might be entitled to financial compensation. If their arrival at the final destination was three hours or more later than scheduled, passengers could claim up to €600.
EC-261 Passenger Rights
Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 establishes common rules on compensation and assistance to passengers in the event of denied boarding, flight cancellations, or long delays. It applies to passengers departing from an EU airport or arriving in the EU from a non-EU country with an EU-based airline. Mechanical issues are generally covered unless they are deemed extraordinary circumstances beyond the airline's control.
The Boeing 757 in Airline Fleets
The Boeing 757 remains a common aircraft type for many airlines, despite production ending in 2004. The aircraft is known for its performance capabilities within a single-aisle frame. This efficiency makes it valuable for certain routes.
Aviation enthusiasts often refer to the 757 as the 'Flying Pencil.' This nickname particularly applies to the 757-300 variant, which was the longest single-aisle commercial passenger jet ever produced. Only 55 of the stretched 757-300s were built due to limited airline demand, out of more than 1,000 Boeing 757s manufactured over 23 years.
Beyond commercial use, the Boeing 757 also serves military purposes. The U.S. military uses a modified VIP version, known as the C-32. This aircraft transports high-ranking dignitaries, showcasing the model's versatility and reliability in various roles.
Aircraft's History of Incidents
Despite its age of 26 years, the specific aircraft involved, N17133, has had a largely uneventful operational history. Records show no major incidents or accidents reported for this particular plane before these recent diversions. This suggests the recent engine issues are isolated events rather than part of a pattern for this aircraft.
Airlines like United and Delta continue to operate 757s in their fleets. The model's operational characteristics and passenger capacity suit specific market needs, keeping it relevant even years after its production ceased. Maintaining older aircraft involves regular, thorough inspections and maintenance to ensure continued safety and airworthiness.
These recent events underscore the importance of robust maintenance protocols in aviation. Even with no prior issues, unexpected mechanical problems can occur, requiring immediate and effective responses from flight crews and ground support teams.
