I was onboard United Flight 108 from Dulles to Munich on July 25 when we experienced what I can only describe as one of the most nerve-wracking moments of my flying life. Just minutes after takeoff, the pilot calmly but firmly declared a mayday due to a left engine failure we were only at 5,000 feet. The crew kept it cool, but hearing “mayday” over the speakers was surreal.
Thankfully, we circled back and landed safely at Dulles about 30 minutes later. Props to the fire and rescue teams for being ready at the gate. United rebooked everyone, but I’m still a little shaken by how quickly things can change mid-air. Has anyone else ever experienced an emergency landing? How do you stay calm when things go sideways in the sky?
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