United Airlines Boeing 757 catches fire before takeoff at Seattle Sea-Tac
A United Airlines Boeing 757 preparing for departure at Seattle’s Sea-Tac Airport was evacuated after a fire broke out in the tail section, traced to the auxiliary power unit.
A United Airlines Boeing 757 was evacuated at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on Saturday night after a fire broke out in the aircraft’s tail section before takeoff. All passengers and crew were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported, according to airport officials.
The incident involved United flight 776, which was preparing for departure when flames were observed coming from the auxiliary power unit (APU) at the rear of the aircraft. Firefighters responded quickly and extinguished the fire. Sea-Tac Airport spokesman Perry Cooper confirmed that the evacuation was carried out without incident.
Fire traced to auxiliary power unit
A preliminary investigation suggested the fire may have been caused by residual oil in the APU, a small engine in the tail used to provide electrical power and air conditioning when the main engines are not running. The APU is a standard feature on modern airliners and is typically started before engine ignition to supply power for aircraft systems on the ground.
Passengers were evacuated onto the tarmac as a precaution, following standard safety procedures. The airport confirmed that emergency services were on the scene within minutes. The aircraft remained grounded for inspection and maintenance, and United Airlines began arranging alternative travel for affected passengers.
United Airlines’ fleet and safety record
United Airlines operates nearly 700 mainline aircraft, including a substantial fleet of Boeing 757s. The airline reported more than two million flights and 142 million passengers carried in 2011, making it one of the world’s busiest carriers. While incidents involving fire are rare, the airline and airport authorities treat any such event with maximum caution due to the potential risk to passengers and crew.
The Boeing 757, first introduced in the early 1980s, remains a workhorse for many US airlines, valued for its range and capacity. The model’s APU is generally reliable, but like any mechanical component, it requires regular inspection and maintenance, particularly as aircraft age.
What happens after an aircraft fire incident
Following an incident of this nature, the aircraft is subject to a full inspection by United Airlines maintenance teams and federal safety regulators. Investigators focus on identifying the precise cause of the fire and assessing any damage to the airframe or systems. The findings may inform future maintenance procedures or prompt technical advisories to operators of similar aircraft.
Passengers affected by the delay were rebooked or offered alternative arrangements. United Airlines stated that customer safety remained its top priority during the incident and subsequent response.
