- United Airlines flight UA108, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for Munich, returned to Washington Dulles shortly after takeoff due to a left engine malfunction.
- The crew declared a ‘Mayday’ at 5,000 feet and dumped fuel at 6,000 feet in coordination with air traffic control.
- ATC provided heading, speed, and approach instructions, with pilots preferring right turns for manoeuvring.
- The aircraft landed safely via an Instrument Landing System approach but had to be towed from the runway; no injuries were reported.
A United Airlines Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for Munich was forced to return to Washington Dulles Airport on July 25 after the crew reported a malfunction in the left engine shortly after takeoff. The aircraft, operating as flight UA108, climbed to 5,000 feet before declaring an emergency and circling to release fuel, eventually landing safely, as reported by The Indian Express.
Emergency Response and Safe Return
After takeoff, flight UA108 climbed to 5,000 feet when the crew declared an emergency due to a malfunction in the left engine. The pilots issued multiple ‘Mayday’ calls and maintained continuous communication with air traffic control to coordinate the response. To reduce the aircraft’s weight for a safe landing, the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner entered a holding pattern northwest of Washington, remaining at 6,000 feet to dump fuel. Air traffic controllers provided routing adjustments to keep the aircraft clear of other flights during the process. When asked by ATC about the estimated holding time, the pilots confirmed they would climb and adjust fuel levels before returning to Washington Dulles Airport.
Coordinated Approach and Safe Landing
Throughout the emergency, the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner’s pilots remained in constant communication with air traffic control to ensure a safe return. The crew reported dumping fuel at 6,000 feet northwest of Washington, and ATC inquired about their readiness to land. The pilots estimated needing two more minutes, after which they were instructed to maintain a heading of 020 degrees and confirm once the fuel dump was complete. When asked about turn preference, the pilots indicated right turns were easier, prompting ATC to maintain the current course before directing the aircraft toward the runway. ATC also discussed speed management, with the crew requesting a slower pace for safety.
As fuel dumping neared completion, control was handed over to another ATC sector, which allowed the aircraft to remain at 6,000 feet briefly before beginning its descent. The crew was then cleared to descend to 5,000 feet and proceed with an Instrument Landing System approach to Runway 19 Centre. The landing was carried out safely, but due to the engine failure, the aircraft could not taxi under its power and was towed from the runway. The aircraft remains on the ground at Washington Dulles Airport, and no injuries were reported.
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Source: The Indian Express
