United Airlines Boeing 787 Makes Emergency ‘Mayday’ Call After Engine Failure Post Takeoff
United Airlines Flight UA108 declared a Mayday after its engine failed post takeoff from Washington. The plane landed safely after dumping fuel.
United Airlines Boeing 787 Dreamliner returns to Washington Dulles Airport after engine failure and Mayday call shortly post takeoff. (AFP)
Shortly after departing Washington Dulles International Airport on July 25, a United Airlines Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner headed for Munich was made to issue a "Mayday" call in a spectacular mid-air emergency. Operating under the callsign UA108, the aircraft experienced a left engine failure at a height of about 5,000 feet.
Engine Failure Causes a Mayday Warning
A few minutes into its ascent, Flight UA108 declared an emergency, according to FlightAware data. Air traffic control was promptly notified by the pilots, who then started emergency procedures to ensure a safe return to Washington. The plane circled northwest of the city in a holding pattern to dump fuel before making a safe landing, staying in the air for two hours and 38 minutes.
Following an emergency fuel dump, the flight lands safely.
Before making the emergency landing, pilots worked with ATC to safely release fuel and make sure they were properly separated from other aircraft, according to aviation sources. No one was hurt in the event, and all of the Dreamliner's passengers and crew were said to be safe.
Aviation Emergencies Have Increased Recently
The first tragic catastrophe involving this aircraft model occurred just weeks ago when an Air India Boeing 787-8 crashed in Ahmedabad on its way to London's Gatwick Airport, killing over 260 people.
A few days before to the United Airlines incident, a Boeing 737 MAX 8 operated by American Airlines had to evacuate Denver International Airport immediately because of cabin smoke. After a tyre fault was identified, the FAA reported a possible landing gear problem.
Growing Concerns Around Boeing Aircraft
The close timing of multiple in-flight emergencies involving Boeing aircraft has raised concerns within the aviation community. While investigations are ongoing, both airlines and regulatory agencies continue to monitor the situation closely.
