The United Airlines flight was heading to Sao Paulo, Brazil, when the carrier says the plane experienced a mechanical issue shortly after takeoff.
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United said the flight remained in the air to burn fuel before landing safely.
A photographer who witnessed the emergency landing said he follows many aviation accidents, but never thought he would see one himself.
"Never I would've imaged that I would witness one in real life... I was pretty shocked," Murtalla Mbachke said.
The flight had 256 passengers onboard.
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The Federal Aviation Administration is investigating and released the following statement:
"United Airlines Flight 149, a Boeing 777-200, landed safely at Newark Liberty International Airport shortly before 1 a.m. local time today after the crew reported an emergency. The flight departed Newark and was headed to So Paulo, Brazil before it returned. The FAA will investigate."
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