United Airlines flight declared mayday at Washington Dulles: Here’s why

(The Hill) — A United Airlines pilot declared mayday late last month after suspecting possible engine failure after takeoff from Washington Dulles International Airport.

“Engine failure, left engine, United 108 declaring an emergency. Mayday, mayday, mayday,” the pilot said to air traffic control, according to an audio recording reported by numerous media outlets.

The flight, which was headed to Munich on July 25, returned to Dulles “to address a mechanical issue,” United Airlines said in a statement to The Hill.

“The plane landed safely, and all passengers deplaned normally at the gate,” the spokesperson said. “The flight was subsequently canceled and we arranged alternate travel arrangements to take customers to their destination as soon as possible.”

The Boeing 787 aircraft was carrying 219 passengers and 11 crew members.

Flight tracking data show the plane was in the air for 2 hours and 38 minutes.

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority told The Hill that the plane “was checked by Airports Authority Fire and Rescue personnel then towed to a gate” upon arrival.