A United Airlines flight circled over the Atlantic Ocean for nearly two hours Thursday before being forced to make an emergency landing.
A mechanical problem on the flight, which was carrying 256 passengers, forced pilots to land it early, according to CNN.
“After our aircraft experienced a mechanical issue shortly after takeoff, it remained in the air to burn fuel and then landed safely,” United Airlines said in a statement, according to CNN. “Passengers deplaned at the gate and a new aircraft is scheduled to depart this morning.” (RELATED: Passenger Who Landed Plane In Flip Flops Describes Fighting Nose Dive)
United Airlines said an initial inspection points to a hydraulic pump issue. As the plane took off sparks were seen flying from the aircraft, according to CNN. The flight then circled over the Atlantic Ocean for roughly two hours to burn fuel after departing Newark.
The flight was headed to São Paulo, Brazil, and a video purportedly showing the flight appears to show sparks and debris falling from the plane.
United 777 returns safely to Newark Airport following a technical issue, reportedly a problem with its hydraulics. A photo appeared on social media of suspected falling debris from the aircraft.
📹 variablecraft pic.twitter.com/oezAkaFaJK
— Breaking Aviation News & Videos (@aviationbrk) September 22, 2022
— Breaking Aviation News & Videos (@aviationbrk) September 22, 2022
No injuries were reported, according to Fox Business.