United flight declares mayday after engine failure

A United Airlines flight bound for Germany was forced to return to the Washington, D.C., area after the pilot declared a mayday due to an engine failure, according to tower recordings and a statement from the airline.

The incident

The emergency unfolded shortly after takeoff when the pilot of Flight 108, en route to Munich, reported that the aircraft’s left engine had failed. In cockpit audio shared on the YouTube channel You can see ATC, the pilot can be heard saying, “Declaring an emergency, mayday, mayday, mayday.”

The flight

Flight 108, a Boeing 787 carrying 219 passengers and 11 crew members, had departed from Dulles International Airport in Loudoun County, Virginia. After experiencing engine failure, the flight crew made the decision to turn back. As the plane prepared for an emergency return, it released fuel to reach a safe landing weight. Recordings revealed that both the pilot and air traffic control remained calm while coordinating the return.

Traffic control

Air traffic controllers prioritized the aircraft’s safe landing, clearing surrounding airspace for Flight 108. “Speed at your discretion,” one controller said. “Nobody behind you, nobody in front, sir.” United later confirmed that the jet “returned to Washington Dulles shortly after takeoff to address a mechanical issue.”

Airline response

“The plane landed safely, and all passengers deplaned normally at the gate,” United said in a statement. “The flight was subsequently canceled and we arranged alternate travel arrangements to take customers to their destination as soon as possible.” The Federal Aviation Administration also acknowledged the incident, stating it was aware of “possible engine issues” aboard the flight and had launched an investigation.

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