Mid-air scare: United Airlines declares 'Mayday' over engine failure, stays in air for 2 hours
According to data from FlightAware, the aircraft remained in the air for 2 hours and 38 minutes after the distress signal was sent.
This incident comes just a month after a tragic crash involving an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The aircraft, en route to London's Gatwick Airport, crashed shortly after take-off, killing around 260 people. It was the first fatal accident involving the Dreamliner model.
United Airlines flight UA108 issued a 'Mayday' alert after its left engine failed at around 5,000 feet, shortly after take-off. The pilots informed air traffic control and began emergency steps to return safely to the airport. According to FlightAware, the aircraft stayed in the air for 2 hours and 38 minutes after the 'Mayday' call was made.
FlightAware also said the plane circled northwest of Washington in a holding pattern to dump fuel safely before landing back at Washington Dulles Airport.
This incident with the United Airlines flight came just days after another emergency involving an American Airlines flight at Denver International Airport. On Saturday, passengers on board AA Flight 3023 were evacuated using emergency slides after smoke was reported in the cabin.
The Boeing 737 MAX 8, which was headed to Miami, experienced what the FAA described as a 'possible landing gear incident.' American Airlines later said it was due to an aircraft tyre issue.
As reported by Aviation A2Z, the pilots requested permission to dump fuel and worked with ATC operators to ensure safe separation from other aircraft during the process.
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