Three people were injured today when a United Airlines flight bound for San Francisco had to be evacuated on the taxiway at Washington Dulles International Airport because of engine problems, a Dulles airport spokeswoman said.
United Flight 586 was getting ready to take off for San Francisco International Airport around 12:45 p.m. EST when a problem with the plane’s engine was reported, said Tara Hamilton, a spokeswoman for the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, which oversees operations at the airport.
The pilot deployed the plane’s chute, and all passengers were evacuated from the aircraft, Hamilton said.
Three people were injured while exiting the plane, she said. Two refused treatment, and the third was taken to a hospital with injuries that are not considered life-threatening.
The other passengers were taken back to the terminal and will be rebooked on another flight, Hamilton said.
United Airlines spokesman Charlie Hobart said the airline is investigating the incident and is working to accommodate the affected passengers.
Dan McMenamin, Bay City News
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