Fire Crew Accidentally Shoots Foam

What was supposed to be a salutation this week to a retiring United Airlines captain ended with a Boeing 777 in the repair shop... and a mess on the ramp.

Media reports state the United Airlines 777-200 had just arrived at Washington Dulles from Paris, and was taxiing to the gate when it took a slight detour... so fire trucks stationed on either side of the jetway could spray the time-honored "water cannon salute" given to retiring pilots, and sometimes aircraft. In this case, the 777's pilot was making his last flight.

United Airlines won't confirm what happened next. Sources say, however, the fire trucks blasted foam fire retardant at the airliner, instead of water.

For the most part, foam will sluice off the fuselage without causing damage... but it's quite another matter when it is ingested into the engines.

“We are conducting a full investigation and are currently looking at the aircraft to ascertain damage," said an unidentified United spokeswoman.

The aircraft, N772UA, was delivered to United in November 1995. It was the fifth 777 delivered to the carrier.

Both of the aircraft's Pratt & Whitney engines are now being examined, and will likely be thoroughly overhauled before they can be returned to service.

FMI: www.united.com