US: United Airlines Flight in Panic Due to Engine Failure

Tension prevailed on a United Airlines flight to Munich when, shortly after takeoff from Washington, a fault was detected in the left engine.

The pilot of Flight 108, which had taken off at 6 p.m. on July 25, issued a distress signal ("Mayday, mayday, mayday") when the plane was at 10,000 feet. According to an audio excerpt, he reported "problem, engine problem, left engine."

The aircraft, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, was carrying 219 passengers. Air traffic controllers instructed the pilot to return to Dulles Airport.

Due to the increased weight from the fuel, the pilot circled to dump it, a process that lasted 30 minutes. The plane then landed safely.

A company official spoke of a "mechanical failure" without giving further details.