Key Point Summary – United Airlines engine failure

• United Flight 108 suffered left engine failure moments after takeoff.
• The pilot declared “Mayday” and reported a mechanical emergency.
• The Boeing 787 had to dump fuel for 30 minutes to reduce landing weight.
• All 219 passengers and 11 crew members landed safely.
• United Airlines cited a “mechanical issue” but gave no details.

Engine Cut-Out Sparks Emergency Radio Call

Terror struck the skies over Washington on July 25 when a United Airlines pilot was forced to declare “Mayday” just moments into a trans-Atlantic flight. Flight 108, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, had just lifted off from Dulles International Airport bound for Munich when one of its engines suddenly failed.

“Failure, engine failure, left engine,” the pilot urgently radioed air traffic control. Then came the chilling escalation: “Declaring an emergency. Mayday, mayday, mayday.”

The aircraft had reached just 10,000 feet when disaster nearly struck. It was around 6 p.m. when the engine shut down, leaving the crew scrambling for options.

Too Heavy To Land — Fuel Dump Begins

With tanks full for the eight-hour journey ahead, the aircraft was far too heavy to land safely. Air traffic controllers advised the plane to circle while the pilots dumped fuel to lighten the load.

The circling and fuel dump lasted around 30 minutes, a tense half hour for those onboard and on the ground listening in.

Audio obtained by You can see ATC captured the moment-by-moment coordination between cockpit and control tower — a rare, real-time look at emergency aviation procedures under pressure.

Safe Landing After High-Stress Flight Start

Eventually, with fuel levels reduced, the Dreamliner returned to Dulles and touched down safely. The 219 passengers and 11 crew members disembarked without incident. No injuries were reported, and the emergency ended without disaster.

United Airlines confirmed the incident, citing a “mechanical issue” but did not elaborate on the nature or cause of the engine failure.

Boeing Dreamliner’s Reliability Now Under Scrutiny

Though the 787-8 Dreamliner is known for long-haul efficiency and modern design, this midair malfunction is likely to spark further scrutiny. United has not grounded other Dreamliners and has yet to announce follow-up maintenance actions or fleet inspections.

Aviation watchdogs are expected to review the incident closely, especially given the growing list of technical mishaps faced by U.S. carriers this year.

Passengers Thankful — But Rattled

While the safe landing was a relief, passengers were understandably shaken. “It was supposed to be just another overseas flight,” one traveler told local reporters. “Next thing we know, we’re circling with only one engine.”

FAA and NTSB officials are now investigating the mechanical failure. Updates are expected as maintenance logs and cockpit data are reviewed.