CHICAGO— United Airlines (UA) flight UA1316, bound for Sarasota (SRQ), declared an emergency shortly after departing Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) on July 16, 2025. The Boeing 737-700, registered as N24736, returned to ORD after approximately 20 minutes in the air.
The crew reported a low-pressure warning in engine number two, prompting the immediate diversion. The flight was originally scheduled to land in Sarasota–Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) but returned to ORD without incident.
Photo: Tomás Del Coro | FlickrUnited 737 Emergency Landing
Flight UA1316 departed ORD at 11:14 local time, aiming for Sarasota, Florida. Shortly after takeoff, the crew declared a general emergency by squawking 7700 — the transponder code indicating distress.
The cause was identified as low oil pressure in the aircraft’s number two engine, a critical indicator that required prompt action to prevent further mechanical complications.
Live air traffic control communications on frequency 133.625 MHz did not specify the technical issue in real-time. However, flight tracking data shows that the aircraft received progressive vectors to facilitate a safe return.
The aircraft entered a holding pattern near Chicago before positioning for a direct approach back to ORD’s Runway 28C.
Photo: FlightRadar24Notably, the Boeing 737-700 lacks a fuel-dumping system. This means the pilots assessed that the aircraft’s weight was either already below the maximum landing weight or deemed safe for an overweight landing given the short duration of the flight.
The flight was operated by Boeing 737-700, registered as N24736. Furthermore, it is a 25.8-year-old aircraft powered by CFM56-7B engines.
The entire incident spanned roughly 20 minutes from takeoff to landing, underscoring the efficiency of the crew’s emergency handling.
Passengers were expected to be reaccommodated on alternative flights to Sarasota.
Photo: By aeroprints.com, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=32564347Similar Incident
United Airlines Airbus A319-100 aborted its takeoff at Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) on February 2, 2025, following a right-hand engine failure. The aircraft, registered as N837UA, was scheduled to operate flight UA1382 from Houston (IAH) to New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA).
The engine failure occurred as the aircraft accelerated on runway 15R. The crew aborted the takeoff at approximately 115 knots, triggering an immediate emergency response. The flight was carrying 104 passengers and five crew members at the time of the incident.
Flight UA1382’s departure from Houston was abruptly interrupted when the crew detected a malfunction in the right-hand V2522 engine during the takeoff roll. According to reports from the Aviation Herald, the issue emerged around 115 knots, prompting the pilots to execute a high-speed rejected takeoff.
Eyewitness accounts from passengers described a loud “pop” sound followed by smoke and flames from the right engine. The Airbus A319 safely stopped on the runway, where emergency services were promptly called to attend to the situation. The cockpit crew’s swift decision to abort the takeoff ensured that the situation did not escalate further.
Airport emergency responders, including the Houston Fire Department’s Airport Rescue Firefighters (ARFF), were dispatched immediately. Video footage recorded by passengers showed visible flames and smoke near the engine, further validating the crew’s rapid safety measures.
Evacuation Process and Passenger Safety
Once the aircraft was brought to a complete stop, the crew initiated an evacuation. Passengers exited via emergency slides and mobile stairs to ensure an orderly and efficient deplaning process. Ground transport was arranged to return passengers to the terminal safely. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Many passengers expressed alarm at the visible smoke and flames. In passenger videos, voices of distress and pleas for quick evacuation were evident, reflecting the tense atmosphere on board during the emergency.
United Airlines (UA) issued a statement confirming that the aircraft received an engine anomaly alert during takeoff. The airline emphasized that passenger safety is paramount and arranged a replacement aircraft to complete the journey to New York LaGuardia (LGA).
The alternate flight departed around 2:00 p.m. CT, approximately five and a half hours after the original schedule.
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