A United Airlines flight en route from Washington Dulles International Airport to Munich declared a “Mayday” and made an emergency return after struggling engine failure shortly after takeoff on July 25.
Although airspace was clear for a direct return, the plane was too heavy to land safely attributable to being absolutely fueled for the transatlantic flight. The pilots have been instructed to circle the airport and dump gas to succeed in a protected touchdown weight.
After roughly half-hour within the air, the aircraft landed safely again at Dulles, the place it was met by airport hearth and rescue groups and towed to a gate. All passengers and crew disembarked with out damage.
United Airlines confirmed the incident was attributable to a “mechanical issue” and introduced the flight was canceled. The airline organized various journey choices for affected passengers.
This incident follows an analogous occasion earlier in July, when a Delta Air Lines flight departing Los Angeles returned to the airport after flames have been seen coming from one in every of its engines. The FAA is investigating that case.
