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United Flight 108 had just taken off for its journey to Munich at around 6 p.m. As the Boeing 787 ascended to 10,000 feet, the pilot radioed air traffic control: “Engine failure, left engine. United 108 declaring an emergency. Mayday, mayday, mayday,” according to an audio recording.
Air traffic control instructed the pilot to turn right and head back to the airport. The controller said, “There’s nobody between you and the field.”
The flight diverted back to Washington Dulles, landing safely at around 8:33 p.m., as recorded on FlightAware.
In a statement, a United Airlines spokesperson confirmed that a mechanical issue caused the aircraft’s diversion. Crystal Nosal, an airport spokesperson, told USA TODAY that the plane landed safely, was checked by Fire and Rescue personnel, then towed to a gate. No injuries were reported among the 219 passengers and 11 crew members.
The flight was subsequently canceled, and alternate travel arrangements were made for all customers to reach their destination as soon as possible.
Once back at the gate, all passengers and crew deplaned without incident.
