United Airlines Flight UA108 Makes Emergency Landing After Mid-Air Scare Over Engine Malfunction
Mid-Air Emergency: Boeing 787 Declares “Mayday”
A United Airlines Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner declared a “MAYDAY” shortly after takeoff from Washington Dulles International Airport on July 25, triggering a mid-air emergency response. The flight, United Airlines UA108, was en route to Munich, Germany, when the aircraft suffered a critical engine failure at just 5,000 feet altitude.
Key Highlights of the Incident
- Aircraft: Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner
- Flight: United Airlines UA108
- Route: Washington Dulles (IAD) to Munich (MUC)
- Date of Incident: July 25, 2025
- Cause: Left engine failure shortly after takeoff
- Altitude at Failure: 5,000 feet
- Response: Emergency declared, fuel dumped, returned to origin
- Injuries: None reported
Flight Circles for Over Two Hours to Dump Fuel
According to data from FlightAware, the aircraft stayed airborne for 2 hours and 38 minutes after declaring the emergency. The crew entered a holding pattern northwest of Washington, requesting clearance from Air Traffic Control (ATC) to dump fuel safely and reduce landing weight.
- Pilots maintained altitude at 6,000 feet while dumping fuel.
- ATC ensured safe separation from other air traffic.
- A safe return to Runway 19 Center at Washington Dulles was coordinated using an Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach.
Aircraft Grounded After Emergency Landing
After landing, the aircraft was unable to taxi under its own power due to the disabled left engine. It had to be towed off the runway and remains grounded at Washington Dulles Airport as of July 28.
Investigation Underway
There were no injuries reported among passengers or crew. United Airlines and aviation safety authorities are expected to launch a full investigation into the engine malfunction.
Conclusion
This incident adds to a growing list of in-flight technical issues involving Boeing aircraft in recent years. While the swift action by the crew ensured passenger safety, the malfunction underscores the importance of rigorous aircraft maintenance and safety oversight.
