A United Airlines flight declares mayday mere minutes after takeoff from Washington Dulles International Airport, prompting quick action by the flight crew and air traffic control. The incident, which unfolded on July 25, 2025, involved Flight 108 bound for Munich with 219 passengers and 11 crew onboard.
Pilots reported a left engine failure as the Boeing 787-8 ascended to 10,000 feet. “Failure, engine failure, left engine, United 108… Mayday, mayday, mayday,” the captain transmitted to controllers, highlighting the urgency. ATC immediately cleared the flight for a return, but because the plane was fueled for a transatlantic journey, it was too heavy for a safe landing. The crew was directed into a holding pattern, circling at 6,000 feet to safely dump fuel before making their approach.
After approximately 30 minutes in the air, United Airlines flight declares mayday again for landing, completing its emergency checklist, and the pilots executed a flawless return to Dulles. Emergency vehicles met the aircraft as a precaution, but all passengers and crew disembarked safely with no injuries reported. The flight was subsequently canceled, and United arranged alternative travel for affected passengers.
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Professionalism and Preparedness
The incident underscores the high level of training air crews undergo to manage such emergencies. Their calm, decisive action and smooth coordination with controllers ensured a safe outcome for everyone involved. It’s a testament to modern aviation’s layered approach to safety—and a reminder that even when problems occur, swift action makes the difference.
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