WASHINGTON (Dulles) — A United Airlines flight was forced to make an emergency return to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) on Tuesday after experiencing a landing gear malfunction shortly after takeoff.
Mid-Air Glitch Forces Quick Action
United Airlines Flight UA1535, a Boeing 737-900, departed Dulles on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, utilizing runway 19L. However, the routine departure quickly shifted as the flight crew noticed that the aircraft’s landing gear failed to retract.
Adhering to safety protocols, the pilots immediately halted their ascent, capping the aircraft’s altitude at 3,700 feet while they assessed the situation.
Burning Fuel and Standard Procedures
After working through the necessary emergency checklists and consulting with air traffic control, the crew determined the best course of action was a return to IAD. To ensure a safe landing, the aircraft was vectored into a holding pattern.
The Boeing 737-900 circled for approximately one hour to burn off fuel, a standard procedure designed to reduce the aircraft’s weight and minimize the structural stress on the landing gear upon touchdown.
Safe Touchdown and Inspection
The flight concluded safely when the aircraft touched down on runway 19R.
- Emergency Response: Local airport fire trucks were pre-positioned at intersection U5, ready to perform an immediate visual inspection of the landing gear.
- Outcome: The aircraft landed without further incident, and no injuries were reported among the passengers or crew.
The aircraft has been temporarily removed from service for a thorough maintenance review.
