Preliminary information
On May 26, 2025, at approximately 0925 UTC, a Boeing 777-200, registration N793UA, operated as United Airlines flight 889, executed a rejected takeoff at Beijing Capital International Airport when the crew heard a loud bang and followed by a No. 2 (right) engine failure warning. The airplane came to an uneventful stop on the runway, passengers were deplaned, and the airplane was later defueled and towed clear of the runway.
The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 121 flight from Beijing Capital International Airport (ZBAA) to San Francisco International Airport (KSFO), San Francisco, California.
The airplane data recorders will be downloaded at the NTSB Headquarters in Washington, DC, and the No. 2 engine was removed further examination.
The Civil Aviation Administration of China declined to investigate and as such the NTSB is leading the investigation as the State of Registry/Manufacturer in accordance with ICAO Annex 13 guidelines. Additional parties to the investigation include the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Boeing, United Airlines, and Pratt & Whitney.
Text from the NTSB; a preliminary report can change and names no cause. Open the NTSB docket for ENG25LA038 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 26, 2025
- Type
- Incident
- Place
- Beijing, CN
- Highest injury
- None
Boeing 777
- N-number
- N793UA
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Minor
- Operating rule
- Part 121 (airline)
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.