Japan-bound United flight returns to San Francisco with faulty engine

A United flight bound for Japan experienced an engine malfunction after takeoff on Monday and returned to San Francisco International Airport, where it landed safely, airline and federal aviation officials said. No injuries were reported from the incident involving United Flight 837, which ended when the four-engine Boeing Co 747 aircraft touched down without further incident shortly before 1:45 p.m. A United spokeswoman, Erin Benson, said the plane was carrying 202 passengers and 15 crew members en route to Narita International Airport on Tokyo. The FAA initially reported that 231 people were aboard the jet. The landing was described as "normal" in radio communications between the flight crew and air traffic controllers, as monitored on specialist website liveatc.net. Shortly after the landing, the pilot contacted ground controllers to explain the trouble. "We need the fire department to take a look at our No. 2 engine because it had an indication of compressor stall and possibly some paint that came out during the compressor stall," the pilot was heard saying. Benson also cited a stalled compressor in one of the engines as the reason for the plane's return to San Francisco, adding that the airline could not confirm media reports of smoke or fire from the incident. The aircraft was powered by Pratt & Whitney PW4056 engines. The engine maker is working with the operator to assess the situation, a Pratt & Whitney spokeswoman said.<br/>