United Airlines Flight 1175 Survives Catastrophic Engine Failure Thanks to Heroic Pilot Actions

On February 13, 2018, United Airlines Flight 1175 was scheduled for a routine flight from San Francisco to Honolulu. The skies were clear, visibility was excellent, and the weather was perfect—conditions that seemed ideal for flying. 

However, just moments into the flight, what should have been a regular journey turned into a terrifying ordeal for the crew and passengers. The airplane, a Boeing 777, suffered a catastrophic engine failure that threatened to take it out of the sky, but thanks to the quick thinking, skill, and teamwork of the flight crew, the aircraft made a successful emergency landing, saving the lives of everyone onboard.

A Routine Flight Turns into a Nightmare

Captain Christopher Benham, a 57-year-old pilot with over 13,600 flight hours, was at the helm. With a long history flying Boeing aircraft, including the 737, 747, and 767, Captain Benham had recently become acquainted with the Boeing 777, accumulating around 360 hours on the aircraft.

He was well-versed in flying to Honolulu, a route he had flown countless times throughout his career. Joining him on the flight deck was First Officer Paul AER, a 60-year-old pilot with 11,300 hours of flight time, 10,000 of which had been flown on the Boeing 777.

It was his second flight on the San Francisco-Honolulu route. Despite this being their first time working together, the two pilots hit it off immediately, conducting their pre-flight checks and briefing in preparation for what should have been a routine flight.

Everything seemed to be in order, and the passengers were comfortably seated, unaware of the impending crisis. With 364 passengers aboard, the aircraft began its taxi towards the runway. However, something was terribly wrong with the right engine that would soon alter the course of this flight forever.

The Engine Failure

As the aircraft ascended, the engine failure occurred with no warning. The right engine exploded, sending shockwaves through the airframe and causing extreme vibrations that nearly caused the aircraft to break apart mid-flight.

In an instant, the Boeing 777 was in peril, with the aircraft rolling sharply to the right and plunging into a terrifying state of almost uncontrollable flight.

The explosion caused severe damage to the engine’s fan blades and the engine cowling, which were ripped apart by the force of the blast. Debris from the engine damaged the aircraft's structural integrity, creating serious concerns about its ability to stay airborne.

Despite the explosion, the aircraft remained in the air, albeit severely compromised. The pilots, now struggling to keep the aircraft level and flying, realized that they were dealing with a catastrophic failure—one that could very well end in disaster if not handled with extreme care and precision.

Heroic Actions by the Flight Crew

Captain Benham, despite the chaos unfolding in the cockpit, acted quickly. He immediately took control of the aircraft, demonstrating the kind of calm and focus that comes only with years of experience.

As the aircraft violently shook, Captain Benham instinctively applied left rudder and increased power to the functioning left engine. The right engine had been rendered completely useless, and the aircraft was now relying solely on the left engine to maintain flight.

With the aircraft rolling violently to the right and the speed rapidly decelerating, Captain Benham and First Officer AER worked in unison, following their training and protocols. They realized that the most important thing at that moment was to stabilize the aircraft, ensure that it would not stall, and find a way to get the plane back to safety.

First Officer AER, seated in the jump seat as a third pilot, assisted by communicating with air traffic control, calling in the emergency and informing them of the situation. Meanwhile, Captain Benham kept his focus on controlling the aircraft, relying on the aircraft's available resources and working closely with his team to manage the situation.

The vibrations were so intense that the pilots had difficulty reading their instruments and focusing on the critical tasks at hand. Despite this, the pilots managed to keep the aircraft in the air while dealing with the rapidly deteriorating conditions.

A Race Against Time

With the aircraft rapidly descending and the engines struggling to maintain power, Captain Benham knew they had to act fast. The aircraft's speed was dropping dangerously low, and they could no longer maintain the altitude required for a safe flight.

They had no choice but to begin a controlled descent towards Honolulu, over 200 nautical miles away. At this point, the crew was unsure if the aircraft would make it to the airport or if it would disintegrate mid-flight.

As the aircraft descended, the pilots were faced with the very real possibility that the aircraft might not survive the journey. They started implementing their drift-down procedures, which involved carefully balancing speed, altitude, and power to ensure the aircraft remained stable while maximizing their range.

The situation was dire. Every decision they made could be the difference between life and death. In an extraordinary display of teamwork, the pilots worked together to ensure that they kept the aircraft under control. The flight crew displayed remarkable resilience and professionalism, doing everything within their power to stabilize the aircraft and prepare for the emergency landing that seemed increasingly inevitable.

Reaching Honolulu Against All Odds

Despite the overwhelming challenges, the aircraft continued its descent towards Honolulu. With the right engine severely damaged and the left engine working overtime, the pilots maintained a delicate balance, adjusting their flight path to ensure they had enough fuel and speed to make it to the airport.

As they approached the airport, they were cleared for a non-precision approach to Runway 08R, which was the only available runway at the time. The aircraft, despite its damage, was able to maintain control long enough to begin the final approach.

With the landing gear extended and the flaps set, the pilots lined up for what would be a critical landing. The vibrations were still intense, but the crew was determined to bring the aircraft down safely.

As the aircraft touched down on Runway 08R, it was a smooth landing despite the chaotic circumstances. The pilots' skills and training had paid off, and they managed to execute one of the most remarkable landings in aviation history. The crew, working together as a cohesive unit, had brought the aircraft to the ground safely, saving the lives of all 364 passengers and crew onboard.

The Aftermath

The aircraft came to a stop on the runway, and emergency services quickly arrived at the scene. The aircraft had survived the catastrophic engine failure, and there was no immediate need for an evacuation.

The crew’s professionalism and teamwork had made all the difference. The passengers were unaware of how close they had come to disaster, and the crew’s calm and collected handling of the situation ensured that everyone remained safe.

In the aftermath of the incident, Captain Benham and First Officer AER were hailed as heroes for their actions. The incident also prompted changes in aviation procedures, particularly with regard to engine inspection and the importance of crew resource management in emergency situations.

The lessons learned from this incident continue to shape the way airlines train their pilots and handle emergency situations.

Captain Christopher Benham’s career came to an end in August 2024 with his retirement, but his legacy as a skilled pilot and a hero in the skies will never be forgotten. His actions on that fateful flight in 2018 serve as a testament to the power of training, teamwork, and resilience in the face of unimaginable challenges.

This story is not just about a routine flight gone wrong—it's a story about the power of human resilience, the importance of professional training, and the incredible teamwork that saved hundreds of lives.