MAYDAY. Left Engine FAILURE on takeoff. United Boeing 787 Dreamliner returns to Washington. Real ATC

Summary

This transcript documents a tense emergency situation involving United Airlines flight 108. The aircraft experiences a left engine failure and the crew declares a Mayday. The communication between the flight crew and air traffic control highlights their coordinated efforts to safely manage the emergency, including fuel dumping and weight adjustments. The plane is guided through a series of vectoring maneuvers, holding patterns, and altitude adjustments before eventually landing safely. The transcript showcases the professionalism and teamwork in aviation during a critical incident.

Takeaways

• 😀 The United 108 Heavy flight experienced a left engine failure and declared an emergency, requesting immediate assistance.
• 😀 The flight was instructed to maintain 5,000 feet altitude and continue while emergency procedures were initiated.
• 😀 The crew communicated the need to adjust fuel and weight, including the potential for fuel dumping before landing.
• 😀 Air traffic control provided continuous vectors to keep the aircraft clear of traffic and weather while the situation was assessed.
• 😀 The aircraft was cleared for holding patterns and eventually received clearance for a final approach to Runway 19 Center.
• 😀 Emergency procedures included potential adjustments in the flight path, weight, and speed to ensure a safe landing.
• 😀 The crew was in close communication with air traffic control, requesting clarification on headings, altitude adjustments, and weight management.
• 😀 The aircraft requested vectors for a landing approach after fuel dumping, and was kept within a safe holding pattern for approximately 10 minutes.
• 😀 At one point, the aircraft was asked to choose a more manageable turn direction (right turns were preferred) during the emergency procedure.
• 😀 Upon nearing the runway, the crew confirmed the landing plan, requesting to be towed off the runway after safely landing, indicating full cooperation with emergency protocols.

Q & A

What was the emergency that United 108 heavy was facing?

United 108 heavy experienced an engine failure in the left engine and declared an emergency, requesting assistance from air traffic control.

How did the air traffic controller assist United 108 heavy during the emergency?

The controller provided guidance for United 108 heavy to maintain a safe altitude, adjust weight, and eventually guided them to land at a nearby airport, ensuring they were clear of other traffic.

What specific instructions did the pilot of United 108 heavy receive after declaring an emergency?

The pilot was instructed to turn right to a heading of 100, maintain a safe altitude of 5000 feet, and follow further instructions for holding and fuel dumping.

How did the crew of United 108 heavy manage their fuel during the emergency?

The crew of United 108 heavy was instructed to dump fuel to reduce weight, which took about 6 to 10 minutes before they could proceed with the landing.

What was the destination for United 108 heavy after the emergency declaration?

United 108 heavy was directed toward runway 19 center for landing after dumping fuel and completing their emergency procedures.

What was the role of departure control in this emergency?

Departure control provided crucial assistance by issuing altitude adjustments, ensuring the aircraft remained clear of other traffic, and guiding them during the fuel dumping process.

How long did United 108 heavy need to hold before being cleared for landing?

United 108 heavy needed to hold for approximately 6 to 10 minutes while adjusting weight and completing the fuel dumping process before being cleared for landing.

What was the final approach for United 108 heavy to land?

United 108 heavy was cleared for the ILS (Instrument Landing System) approach to runway 19 center and was instructed to descend to 5000 feet to begin the approach.

What type of assistance did United 108 heavy request while flying in the holding pattern?

While in the holding pattern, United 108 heavy requested information on whether to continue holding at 5000 feet or climb to 6000 feet, and assistance in adjusting their weight during the fuel dumping process.

What was the weather situation for United 108 heavy during the emergency?

The controller provided updates on the weather, indicating efforts to keep United 108 heavy inside favorable weather conditions while also helping them avoid bad weather during the emergency.