United Airlines Flight Declares 'Mayday' amid Engine Failure
United Airlines pilots declared a "Mayday" shortly after departing Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia last week
The Munich-bound flight carrying 219 passengers experienced a left engine failure, according to radio recordings
All passengers and crew deplaned safely after the "mechanical issue," according to a United spokespersonPilots operating a United Airlines flight declared 'Mayday' after experiencing an engine failure shortly after takeoff last week.
On the evening of Friday, July 25, United flight 108 departed Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) in Virginia. The Munich-bound flight operating a Boeing 787 carried 219 passengers and 11 crew members.
But as the plane ascended to 10,000 feet, the pilots noticed an issue.
'Failure, engine failure, left engine, United 108,' pilots told air traffic controllers in a recording obtained by You can see ATC on YouTube. 'Declaring an emergency.'
'Mayday, mayday, mayday,' they added while flying at 5,000 feet.
Air traffic controllers immediately instructed the pilots to make a right turn and return to the airport, given the clear airspace. But as the plane turned around to land, the pilots determined the aircraft was too heavy since it was fueled for a transatlantic flight. It forced them to stay in the air until they were cleared to adjust the weight of the passenger jet.
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After closing a second loop around the airport and dumping the necessary amount of fuel, crews were able to land at IAD after more than 30 minutes in the air. All passengers and crew deplaned safely
A spokesperson for Washington Dulles told PEOPLE the plane landed safely and was checked by Airports Authority Fire and Rescue personnel then towed to a gate.
According to the airline, the plane experienced a 'mechanical issue.'
'United flight 108 to Munich returned to Washington Dulles shortly after takeoff to address a mechanical issue,' a spokesperson shared in a statement with PEOPLE. 'The plane landed safely, and all passengers deplaned normally at the gate.'
They added the flight was canceled and the carrier made alternate arrangements for travelers.
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Earlier in July, a Delta Air Lines flight departing Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) was forced to turn around after one of its engines appeared to burst into flames after takeoff. The Friday, July 18, flight 'landed safely' after a reported engine fire, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
In video footage captured by YouTube channel L.A. Flights, flames appear out of the plane's left engine.
'Delta flight 446 returned to Los Angeles shortly after departure following an indication of an issue with the aircraft's left engine. As nothing is more important than the safety of our customers and crew, the flight crew followed procedures and safely returned to the gate,' a Delta spokesperson shared in a statement with PEOPLE.
The Delta representative added all 226 passengers deplaned normally and were accommodated on a new aircraft.
The FAA confirmed it will investigate the Los Angeles incident.
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