Oscars legend recalls plane engine bursting into flames after takeoff

Tom Bernard, co‑founder of Sony Pictures Classics, was aboard United Flight 2127 returning to Los Angeles after the SAG awards when a loud clunk signaled trouble. Bernard said the pilot announced “got a little engine problem,” and from his window he could see fire coming from the engine.

Fellow passenger Lydia Berry said the engine was “spurting out flame,” and one man near Bernard began writing a farewell note. The plane turned back to LAX and stopped on a runway. Bernard recalled passengers yelling for doors to be opened and, minutes later, flight attendants ordering an evacuation.

Berry said via TikTok that attendants first tried to calm people as the engine billowed smoke, then shouted “Evacuate! Evacuate! Leave your stuff! Use the slides!” as passengers left via slides and airstairs. Bernard described the slide as very steep and said many people hurt their hands during the landing.

United States, Los Angeles

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