Washington, United States: A United Express regional flight of United Airlines bound for Mobile, Alabama, returned to Washington Dulles International Airport shortly after takeoff Sunday evening following an apparent engine malfunction, authorities confirmed Monday.
The CommuteAir-operated United Express Flight 4295, an Embraer ERJ-145 regional jet, departed Dulles International Airport (IAD) for Mobile Regional Airport (MOB) at approximately 6:30 p.m. Eastern, carrying 43 passengers and 3 crew members, according to airport officials. Minutes after becoming airborne, the flight crew reported an issue with one of the aircraft’s engines and elected to return to the airport under emergency protocols.
Airport rescue and firefighting crews were on standby as the aircraft made its return. The jet landed safely at Dulles at approximately 6:45 p.m., and no injuries were reported among passengers or crew, spokespersons for United Airlines and the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority said.
Following the landing, the aircraft was inspected by maintenance teams. Passengers were disembarked and re-accommodated on alternative flights later Sunday night. Full details on the engine issue, including its cause and any potential maintenance findings, have not yet been released.
This event follows another recent safety incident at Dulles involving a United Airlines Boeing 777-200ER flight bound for Tokyo Haneda Airport on December 13, 2025. That flight returned safely to Dulles shortly after takeoff when one of its engines lost power; debris from the engine’s cowling struck the ground and sparked a small brush fire near the runway. Officials confirmed no injuries in that incident, and the Federal Aviation Administration said it would investigate.
The FAA typically opens a formal review of such occurrences to determine the contributing factors and evaluate any safety implications. United Airlines, its regional partners, and regulatory authorities regularly collaborate on ensuring aircraft airworthiness and operational safety, particularly when mechanical issues prompt precautionary actions like flight returns.
