Additional Coverage:
Dulles, VA—A United Airlines flight bound for Munich experienced a scare shortly after takeoff last week, prompting a mayday call and emergency landing back at Dulles International Airport.
Flight 108, a Boeing 787 carrying 219 passengers and 11 crew members, departed Dulles on July 25th at 8 p.m. Just minutes into the ascent and at an altitude of nearly 5,000 feet, the pilot reported a suspected engine failure to air traffic control, issuing a mayday call.
Air traffic control quickly guided the aircraft back to Dulles, assuring the pilot of a clear path. The plane landed safely approximately 30 minutes after its initial departure.
Airport fire and rescue personnel inspected the aircraft upon landing, and it was subsequently towed to a gate. The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority confirmed that no other flights were disrupted due to the incident.
United Airlines stated that the flight was canceled, and alternative travel arrangements were made for the passengers. The airline cited a “mechanical issue” as the reason for the emergency landing.