United Airline flight UA-67 was enroute from Ireland to Chicago when about two hours in the crew contacted air traffic controllers reporting a possible mechanical issue with an engine and requested to return to Shannon.
Speaking to Tipp Fm one of the passengers – North Tipperary student Sorcha Dodd said that they were “over Iceland when the plane took a sharp turn” and the pilot informed them that “they were turning back to Shannon as one of the engines wasn't working properly.“
Airport fire and rescue crews were placed on standby and were backed up by units of the local authority fire service from Shannon and Ennis. A number of National Ambulance Service resources and Gardaí were also deployed to the airport.
Shortly before 1 pm this afternoon the Boeing 757 jet landed safely and enginners are currently investigating the issue.
Sorcha Dodd who was travelling to Chicago on her second J1 told Tipp Fm that they were initially shocked by the pilot's announcment and very glad when they eventually touched down.
The passengers who were mainly US tourists and J 1 students have now been put up at the Raddision Blu for the night and are expected to resume their journey in the morning.
