United Airlines fight declares mayday shortly after takeoff

(NewsNation) — A United Airlines pilot issued a mayday call shortly after a plane carrying more than 200 passengers took off due to an engine failure.

United Airlines Flight 108, which was departing Washington Dulles International Airport for Munich on July 25, was carrying 219 passengers and 11 crew members when it began experiencing issues as it was about to ascend to 10,000 feet in the air.

In a recording, a pilot can be heard telling air traffic controllers about the Boeing 787's left engine failing, then saying "Mayday, mayday, mayday" as it reached 5,000 feet.

Air traffic controllers instructed the pilot to make a right turn and return to Dulles, but the plane was too heavy to land right away because it was fueled for a transatlantic flight.

According to a local news outlet, the plane had to stay in the air until its weight could be safely adjusted. The aircraft landed safely at Dulles about 30 minutes later after dumping the necessary fuel; passengers and crew members deplaned safely.

A spokesperson for Dulles said the plane was checked by the airport authority's fire and rescue personnel before it was towed to a gate. United Airlines said the plane experienced a "mechanical issue."

The incident comes after passengers on a Delta Air Lines flight from Salt Lake City to Amsterdam were hospitalized last week after the plane experienced significant turbulence.