The pilot of United Airlines Flight 328 repeatedly called “mayday” when one of its engines exploded, spewing debris in a suburb of Denver, Colorado.
“We experienced engine failure, we need to turn. Mayday, mayday. United, uh, 28, ”the pilot said over the radio shortly after taking off from Denver International Airport on Saturday, according to the Denver Post air traffic control link.
“United 328, heavy mayday, mayday, aircraft, uh …” the pilot repeated before air traffic control arrived and asked him to repeat his urgent request for help.
“United 328, heavy Mayday, the aircraft has just had an engine failure, it needs to turn immediately”, warned the pilot, soon obtaining permission to make a left turn for emergency landing.
The call came when his engine was totally engulfed in flames above Colorado, captured in a shocking video that quickly went viral online.
Another shot showed debris falling from the sky that was filled with black smoke – with large chunks of the engine falling in Denver’s Bloomfield suburb.
“Given the number of people who are in Commons Park on a weekend day, we are very grateful that no one was hurt,” the city police said, a feeling shared by others online.
“It is impressive to hear that no one was injured or killed when a plane broke in the sky over a crowded neighborhood,” replied a follower.
Debris about 15 feet in diameter smashed the body of Kirby Klements’ truck outside her home, with other pieces falling into her garden.
“If there was a difference of 3 meters, it would have landed right on top of the house,” he told the Associated Press. “And if someone were in the truck, they would be dead.”
Despite the drama, the plane bound for Hawaii landed safely at Denver International Airport and no one on board or on the ground was injured, officials said – much to the surprise of many on board.
“When it happened initially, I thought we were done. I thought we were going to fall, ”said Delucia, who tucked his wallet in his pocket to be easily identified if the plane really crashed.
“The pilot did an incredible job,” said Delucia.
The Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement that the plane suffered a failure in the right engine shortly after takeoff.
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating. Authorities have not released details of what may have caused the failure.
With Post Wires