In a shocking turn of events, a United Airlines Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operating under the callsign UA108 bound for Munich from Washington Dulles Airport was forced to declare a “Mayday” due to a critical engine failure soon after takeoff. The emergency alert was issued at an altitude of around 5,000 feet on July 25. Soon after the discovery of a technical scare, the pilots quickly informed air traffic control and launched emergency procedures to return the flight safely.&nbsp;FlightAware data confirmed that the aircraft remained in the air for 2 hours and 38 minutes following the distress signal. Amid this, the airline pilots sent a request to the air traffic controllers (ATC) for fuel dumping while maintaining an altitude of 6,000 feet. It was done to manage the weight of the plane, and it entered a holding pattern northwest of Washington, according to a report by aviationa2z.&nbsp;In the meantime, the air traffic controllers guided, ensuring safe separation from other air traffic amid the aircraft safely discharging fuel. Soon after the dump, pilots requested to land using an Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach on Runway 19 Centre.<h3>Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner remain grounded</h3>After landing, the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was unable to move on its own due to the failure of the left engine and had to be towed off the runway. As of Monday, it remained grounded at Washington Dulles Airport.&nbsp;However, no injuries were reported in the incident, and the technical malfunction is likely to be further investigated by the airline and relevant aviation officials.&nbsp;The incident unfolded just days after another emergency involving an American Airlines flight at Denver International Airport. During the incident, passengers on board AA Flight 3023 were evacuated using emergency slides soon after smoke was reported in the cabin on Saturday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A United Airlines Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for Munich issued a “Mayday” call due to a technical scare at an altitude of around 5,000 feet on July 25. The flight remained for 2 hours and 38 minutes following the distress signal in the air.

In a shocking turn of events, a United Airlines Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner operating under the callsign UA108 bound for Munich from Washington Dulles Airport was forced to declare a “Mayday” due to a critical engine failure soon after takeoff. The emergency alert was issued at an altitude of around 5,000 feet on July 25. Soon after the discovery of a technical scare, the pilots quickly informed air traffic control and launched emergency procedures to return the flight safely. FlightAware data confirmed that the aircraft remained in the air for 2 hours and 38 minutes following the distress signal. Amid this, the airline pilots sent a request to the air traffic controllers (ATC) for fuel dumping while maintaining an altitude of 6,000 feet. It was done to manage the weight of the plane, and it entered a holding pattern northwest of Washington, according to a report by aviationa2z. In the meantime, the air traffic controllers guided, ensuring safe separation from other air traffic amid the aircraft safely discharging fuel. Soon after the dump, pilots requested to land using an Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach on Runway 19 Centre. Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner remain grounded After landing, the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner was unable to move on its own due to the failure of the left engine and had to be towed off the runway. As of Monday, it remained grounded at Washington Dulles Airport. However, no injuries were reported in the incident, and the technical malfunction is likely to be further investigated by the airline and relevant aviation officials. The incident unfolded just days after another emergency involving an American Airlines flight at Denver International Airport. During the incident, passengers on board AA Flight 3023 were evacuated using emergency slides soon after smoke was reported in the cabin on Saturday.

A United Airlines Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner bound for Munich issued a “Mayday” call due to a technical scare at an altitude of around 5,000 feet on July 25. The flight remained for 2 hours and 38 minutes following the distress signal in the air.

United Airlines bound for Munich declares ‘MAYDAY' over engine failure, remains in air for 2 hours

An IndiGo flight carrying 191 passengers en route to Goa from Delhi made an emergency landing in Mumbai on Wednesday night following a technical snag detected mid-air. Before making an emergency landing at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) of Mumbai, Maharashtra, the pilot of the aircraft declared ‘PAN PAN PAN’ due to a malfunction in engine number 1.&nbsp;Through this article, we will try to understand what the ‘PAN PAN PAN’ call is in the aviation sector and how it is different from the ‘Mayday call’ during a flight emergency.&nbsp;<h3>What is the ‘PAN PAN PAN’ call? Why did the pilot say that?</h3>A PAN alert is a standard international radio urgency signal used not only by aviation pilots during a technical snag but also by mariners to indicate a non-life-threatening emergency that requires immediate attention. In the aviation sector, pilots use this alert signal only when they discover serious technical issues in flights that don't pose an immediate threat to life or the aircraft but require quick attention.&nbsp;This call signal is given when a flight has a partial engine failure, low fuel, medical emergencies on board, or any non-critical mechanical failure, among others.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/another-accident-averted-indigo-plane-makes-emergency-landing-in-mumbai-here-s-why-pilot-issued-pan-pan-pan-code-1752731375898">Another accident averted? IndiGo plane makes emergency landing in Mumbai</a><h3>How is a 'PAN' call different from a 'Mayday call'?</h3>Basically, the PAN call is one level below a 'Mayday call,' which indicates a major but not immediate threat. The 'Mayday call' is given when there is engine failure, fire, or any accident that will jeopardise the safety and integrity of the aircraft. It is transmitted via radio to alert Air Traffic Control (ATC) or other vessels nearby.&nbsp;As per the standard practice, the calls are repeated thrice to ensure clarity and immediate recognition and reduce the risk of miscommunication for immediate support. During this distress, after mayday is repeated three times, all the relevant information is sent to the potential rescuers, who would need to know the nature of the emergency, location or last known location, fuel remaining, current weather, what type of help is needed, and the number of people in danger.

This alert, by airline pilots or mariners, is given only when they discover serious technical issues in flights or ships that do not pose an immediate threat to life or the aircraft but require quick attention. 

An IndiGo flight carrying 191 passengers en route to Goa from Delhi made an emergency landing in Mumbai on Wednesday night following a technical snag detected mid-air. Before making an emergency landing at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) of Mumbai, Maharashtra, the pilot of the aircraft declared ‘PAN PAN PAN’ due to a malfunction in engine number 1. Through this article, we will try to understand what the ‘PAN PAN PAN’ call is in the aviation sector and how it is different from the ‘Mayday call’ during a flight emergency. What is the ‘PAN PAN PAN’ call? Why did the pilot say that? A PAN alert is a standard international radio urgency signal used not only by aviation pilots during a technical snag but also by mariners to indicate a non-life-threatening emergency that requires immediate attention. In the aviation sector, pilots use this alert signal only when they discover serious technical issues in flights that don't pose an immediate threat to life or the aircraft but require quick attention. This call signal is given when a flight has a partial engine failure, low fuel, medical emergencies on board, or any non-critical mechanical failure, among others. Also read: Another accident averted? IndiGo plane makes emergency landing in Mumbai How is a 'PAN' call different from a 'Mayday call'? Basically, the PAN call is one level below a 'Mayday call,' which indicates a major but not immediate threat. The 'Mayday call' is given when there is engine failure, fire, or any accident that will jeopardise the safety and integrity of the aircraft. It is transmitted via radio to alert Air Traffic Control (ATC) or other vessels nearby. As per the standard practice, the calls are repeated thrice to ensure clarity and immediate recognition and reduce the risk of miscommunication for immediate support. During this distress, after mayday is repeated three times, all the relevant information is sent to the potential rescuers, who would need to know the nature of the emergency, location or last known location, fuel remaining, current weather, what type of help is needed, and the number of people in danger.

This alert, by airline pilots or mariners, is given only when they discover serious technical issues in flights or ships that don't pose an immediate threat to life or the aircraft but require quick attention.&nbsp;

Goa-bound IndiGo flight pilot issued ‘PAN PAN PAN’ call before landing: What it means

'Mayday, Mayday' these were the final words moments before contact was lost. Here's a list of some of the most horrifying final messages from the cockpit before some of the deadliest air crashes took place in the aviation history.

Ahmedabad plane crash: Chilling last words from earlier cockpit recordings of past crashes before the Black Box fell silent

A mayday call is a worldwide radio signal pilots use to report life-threatening emergencies, like engine failure or fire, especially on aircraft like the Boeing 787. Once declared, it gets top priority from air traffic control and emergency teams to ensure quick help and safe landings.

Ahmedabad plane crash: What is a Mayday call and how can it save lives in emergencies?

A ‘Mayday Call’ distress call was issued by Air India's AI 171 flight, minutes before it crashed after taking off from Gujarat's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday (June 12).&nbsp;An Air India plane crashed in Gujarat's Ahmedabad, confirmed the State Police Control Room. A total of 242 passengers, including 2 pilots and 10 cabin crew were onboard the Ahmedabad-Gatwick Air India flight.&nbsp;Within 5 minutes of takeoff at 1:38 PM the plane crashed and turned into a fireball. “It gave a MAYDAY Call to ATC, but thereafter no response was given by the aircraft to the calls made by ATC,” said the DGCA in a statement.&nbsp;It gave a MAYDAY Call to ATC, but thereafter no response was given by the aircraft to the calls made by ATC. Fire tenders were rushed to the spot to douse the blaze.&nbsp;Union Home Minister Amit Shah has spoken to the Gujarat Chief Minister, Home Minister and the Police Commissioner regarding the plane crash and has assured all possible assistance.&nbsp;Minister of Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu has expressed shock over the incident. "Shocked and devastated to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad. We are on highest alert. I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action. Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site,' tweeted Kinjarapu.<h3>What is a Mayday Call?</h3>A Mayday call is an emergency procedure used globally as a distress signal through radio communications; it signals a life-threatening emergency.&nbsp;The term ‘Mayday’ originates from the French phrase “m’aider”, a shortened form of “venez m’aider”, meaning ‘come help me’. It was adopted in the early 20th century as the standard voice distress signal for radio communications, particularly when aviation and maritime travel began relying heavily on radio systems.&nbsp;To avoid miscommunication, the word is always repeated three times: “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday”. This repetition ensures clarity and prevents it from being mistaken for other phrases in noisy or chaotic situations.<h3>When is a Mayday Call used?</h3>A Mayday call is reserved for life-threatening emergencies. In aviation, these situations can include:Engine failure or fire, loss of cabin pressure, severe medical emergencies, structural failure or control system malfunctions, onboard fires or smoke or imminent crash or forced landing.&nbsp;Pilots are trained to use this term only when absolutely necessary. The seriousness of a Mayday alert triggers a swift and prioritised response from air traffic controllers, nearby aircraft, and emergency services.

Ahmedabad plane crash Pilots Mayday Call was their last transmission

A ‘Mayday Call’ distress call was issued by Air India's AI 171 flight, minutes before it crashed after taking off from Gujarat's Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport on Thursday (June 12). An Air India plane crashed in Gujarat's Ahmedabad, confirmed the State Police Control Room. A total of 242 passengers, including 2 pilots and 10 cabin crew were onboard the Ahmedabad-Gatwick Air India flight. Within 5 minutes of takeoff at 1:38 PM the plane crashed and turned into a fireball. “It gave a MAYDAY Call to ATC, but thereafter no response was given by the aircraft to the calls made by ATC,” said the DGCA in a statement. It gave a MAYDAY Call to ATC, but thereafter no response was given by the aircraft to the calls made by ATC. Fire tenders were rushed to the spot to douse the blaze. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has spoken to the Gujarat Chief Minister, Home Minister and the Police Commissioner regarding the plane crash and has assured all possible assistance. Minister of Civil Aviation, Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu has expressed shock over the incident. "Shocked and devastated to learn about the flight crash in Ahmedabad. We are on highest alert. I am personally monitoring the situation and have directed all aviation and emergency response agencies to take swift and coordinated action. Rescue teams have been mobilised, and all efforts are being made to ensure medical aid and relief support are being rushed to the site,' tweeted Kinjarapu. What is a Mayday Call? A Mayday call is an emergency procedure used globally as a distress signal through radio communications; it signals a life-threatening emergency. The term ‘Mayday’ originates from the French phrase “m’aider”, a shortened form of “venez m’aider”, meaning ‘come help me’. It was adopted in the early 20th century as the standard voice distress signal for radio communications, particularly when aviation and maritime travel began relying heavily on radio systems. To avoid miscommunication, the word is always repeated three times: “Mayday, Mayday, Mayday”. This repetition ensures clarity and prevents it from being mistaken for other phrases in noisy or chaotic situations. When is a Mayday Call used? A Mayday call is reserved for life-threatening emergencies. In aviation, these situations can include: Engine failure or fire, loss of cabin pressure, severe medical emergencies, structural failure or control system malfunctions, onboard fires or smoke or imminent crash or forced landing. Pilots are trained to use this term only when absolutely necessary. The seriousness of a Mayday alert triggers a swift and prioritised response from air traffic controllers, nearby aircraft, and emergency services.

The cause of the incident and the extent of damage to the aircraft are yet to be ascertained

Ahmedabad plane crash: Pilots’ 'Mayday Call' was their last transmission

Air India has confirmed that Flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, which was involved in an accident after takeoff, had departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs and was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft.&nbsp;The flight was carrying 169 Indians, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese, and one Canadian besides the crew. The injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals.&nbsp;&nbsp;Air India has set up a dedicated passenger hotline number, 1800 5691 444, to provide information. It said in a statement that it is fully cooperating with the authorities investigating this incident.<h2>Green corridor set up for ambulances&nbsp;</h2>Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has instructed officials to carry out immediate rescue and relief work on a war footing and arrange for immediate treatment of the injured passengers.&nbsp;&nbsp;The CM has also instructed officials to ensure a green corridor for taking the injured passengers for treatment and to ensure all arrangements for treatment in the hospitals on a priority basis.&nbsp;Patel further said that Union Home Minister Amit Shah has spoken to him and assured full cooperation.&nbsp;Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Home Minister Amit Shah and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu and asked them to go to Ahmedabad and ensure all possible assistance.&nbsp;Naidu, who was in Vijayawada, rushed to Ahmedabad immediately upon receiving news of the flight crash to oversee rescue and relief operations on the ground.&nbsp;He said that he is in constant contact with senior officials from DGCA, AAI, NDRF, and the Gujarat State administration to ensure swift, coordinated response and support.&nbsp;<h2>Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau team leaves for Ahmedabad</h2>&nbsp;Ministry of Civil Aviation sources said that the Director General of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has left for Ahmedabad with the team for investigation.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA), Ahmedabad, is currently not operational. All flight operations have been temporarily suspended until further notice.&nbsp;Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran said in a statement, “With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event. At this moment, our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families. We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted. Further updates will be shared as we receive more verified information. An emergency centre has been activated and support team have been set up for families seeking information.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Air India Plane Crash | Three National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams, comprising 90 personnel, have reached the plane crash site from Gandhinagar. A total of three more teams are being moved from Vadodara: NDRF (Video Source: NDRF) <a href="https://t.co/Pazh0TyOwG">pic.twitter.com/Pazh0TyOwG</a>&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1933115679986549062?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 12, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Air India has also set up a dedicated passenger hotline number, 1800 5691 444, to provide more information. The airlines said in a statement that it is fully cooperating with the authorities investigating this incident.

Air India has confirmed that Flight AI171, from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, which was involved in an accident after takeoff, had departed from Ahmedabad at 1338 hrs and was carrying 242 passengers and crew members on board the Boeing 787-8 aircraft. The flight was carrying 169 Indians, 53 British nationals, 7 Portuguese, and one Canadian besides the crew. The injured are being taken to the nearest hospitals. Air India has set up a dedicated passenger hotline number, 1800 5691 444, to provide information. It said in a statement that it is fully cooperating with the authorities investigating this incident. Green corridor set up for ambulances Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has instructed officials to carry out immediate rescue and relief work on a war footing and arrange for immediate treatment of the injured passengers. The CM has also instructed officials to ensure a green corridor for taking the injured passengers for treatment and to ensure all arrangements for treatment in the hospitals on a priority basis. Patel further said that Union Home Minister Amit Shah has spoken to him and assured full cooperation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Home Minister Amit Shah and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu and asked them to go to Ahmedabad and ensure all possible assistance. Naidu, who was in Vijayawada, rushed to Ahmedabad immediately upon receiving news of the flight crash to oversee rescue and relief operations on the ground. He said that he is in constant contact with senior officials from DGCA, AAI, NDRF, and the Gujarat State administration to ensure swift, coordinated response and support. Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau team leaves for Ahmedabad Ministry of Civil Aviation sources said that the Director General of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) has left for Ahmedabad with the team for investigation. Meanwhile, the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (SVPIA), Ahmedabad, is currently not operational. All flight operations have been temporarily suspended until further notice. Air India Chairman N. Chandrasekaran said in a statement, “With profound sorrow I confirm that Air India Flight 171 operating Ahmedabad London Gatwick was involved in a tragic accident today. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the families and loved ones of all those affected by this devastating event. At this moment, our primary focus is on supporting all the affected people and their families. We are doing everything in our power to assist the emergency response teams at the site and to provide all necessary support and care to those impacted. Further updates will be shared as we receive more verified information. An emergency centre has been activated and support team have been set up for families seeking information.”

Air India has also set up a dedicated passenger hotline number, 1800 5691 444, to provide more information. The airlines said in a statement that it is fully cooperating with the authorities investigating this incident.

Ahmedabad plane crash: 169 Indians and 53 British among 242 on board Flight AI171

Indian Navy aircraft & warship respond to hijacked Maltese ship's mayday call in Arabian Sea

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United Airlines bound for Munich declares ‘MAYDAY' over engine failure, remains in air for 2 hours

Goa-bound IndiGo flight pilot said ‘PAN PAN PAN’ before landing: What it means

Last words from cockpit recordings of past crashes before Black Box fell silent

What is a Mayday call and how can it save lives in plane crash emergencies?

Ahmedabad plane crash: Pilots’ 'Mayday Call' was their last transmission

Ahmedabad plane crash: 169 Indians, 53 British among 242 on board Flight AI171

Indian Navy aircraft & warship respond to hijacked Maltese ship's mayday call in Arabian Sea