Pilot declares emergency after engine failure on United Airlines flight

On July 25, 2025, a United Airlines flight departing from Washington Dulles International Airport faced a severe mechanical issue shortly after takeoff. The flight, designated United flight 108, was headed for Munich, Germany, and was carrying 219 passengers along with 11 crew members on board. Within minutes of taking off, as the plane ascended to nearly 5,000 feet, the pilot communicated with air traffic control, announcing an engine failure in the left engine. The gravity of the situation prompted the pilot to declare a mayday, indicating an urgent need to return to the airport. Upon receiving the emergency call, air traffic controllers quickly responded and assessed the situation. They inquired if the pilot could safely navigate the aircraft back to Dulles Airport. Fortunately, the air traffic controller assured the pilot of a clear path back to the airport, indicating there were no other aircraft in his vicinity. The flight had originally departed at approximately 6:11 PM ET, and despite the frantic circumstances, the pilot was able to maneuver the Boeing 787 back towards Dulles. After some time in the air, the plane circled back and successfully landed at Dulles around two hours after its initial departure. Despite the anxiety this emergency situation may have caused those onboard, the landing was executed safely. Once the aircraft was on the ground, it was attended to by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority's Fire and Rescue personnel. The plane was subsequently towed to the gate for further inspection and debriefing. Importantly, the incident did not cause any disruptions to other flights scheduled at Washington Dulles Airport. Following the incident, United Airlines reported that all passengers were able to disembark smoothly. However, the flight was ultimately canceled as it could not continue on its intended route. The airline arranged alternate travel plans for the affected passengers, ensuring that they reached their destination as soon as possible. This incident underscores the importance of swift action and communication in aviation safety and the infrastructure in place to handle such emergencies effectively.