KAILUA-KONA — Nothing sets the nerves on edge like the combination of air travel and unpredictability. ADVERTISING KAILUA-KONA — Nothing sets the nerves on edge like the combination of air travel and unpredictability. Some unpredictability comes with the territory: cancellations,
KAILUA-KONA — Nothing sets the nerves on edge like the combination of air travel and unpredictability.
Some unpredictability comes with the territory: cancellations, delays, overbookings. Those issues alone are enough to set restless legs bouncing and turn well-manicured nails into jagged, bitten-down nubs.
But 166 passengers and six crew members on United Airlines Flight 1731 from Kailua-Kona to Denver were in for a whole different level of unpredictable as their twin-jet Boeing 757 experienced mechanical difficulties over the open ocean and was forced to return to the island.
The flight took off from Kona International Airport at 8:03 p.m. Monday night and was in the air for 58 minutes before landing safely at 9:01 p.m. in the exact spot its abbreviated journey began.
Ian Gregor, public affairs manager for the Federal Aviation Administration, said the airplane returned to Kailua-Kona due to a security light that alerted the pilot to a potential problem with the No. 2 engine, located on the right side of the aircraft.
A spokesperson for United Airlines said the decision to return was made by the pilot, adding that the aircraft was taken out of service — an indicator that it needed moderate to substantial inspection and possible maintenance before returning to flight-safe status.
“Our priority is to keep our customers safe,” the spokesperson said.
All passengers were rebooked on the airline’s next available flight.
