Boeing calls for some planes to be grounded after engine fire

(CMR) Boeing has called for its 777 planes with the type of engine that exploded and shredded in Denver on Saturday to be grounded.

A United Airlines flight was forced to make an emergency landing after the right engine exploded and shredded, resulting in pieces falling in several Denver neighborhoods.

The flight that was bound for Honolulu was forced to return to Denver International Airport, where all 241 persons aboard were able to deplane safely.

Federal Aviation Administration Administrator Steve Dickson said on Sunday that based on an initial review of safety data, it was “concluded that the inspection interval should be stepped up for the hollow fan blades that are unique to this model of engine, used solely on Boeing 777 airplanes.”

Boeing has since recommended that the planes be grounded until an inspection is done.

Boeing said there were 69 777s with the Pratt & Whitney 4000-112 engines in service and another 59 in storage.

United Airlines is the only US airline with the engine in its fleet, with 24 of the planes in service.

Two Japanese airlines with 32 planes with that type of engine have since pulled them from service, while Asiana Airlines grounded nine, seven of which were in service.

Korean Air was also discussing whether to ground 16 aircraft, six of which are in service.

It has been recommended that the planes remain grounded until Boeing comes up with a plan to remedy the problem.