United Airlines plane makes emergency landing at Sydney Airport
The plane was later declared safe by authorities. Photo: Getty
A United Airlines flight carrying 239 people made an emergency landing in Sydney on Thursday morning after a mayday call from the pilot.
The alarm call from the 787-900 Dreamliner, en route from Los Angeles, triggered a full emergency response on the ground, with major roads in and around Sydney Airport closed.
Flight UAL839 eventually landed safely about 6.30am (AEST), and all passengers and crew were safely evacuated.
Passengers were reportedly unaware of the emergency procedures during their landing.
“This is the first time I’m hearing about it on the way out the front door,” one passenger told Nine News.
“Everyone was calm, no panic, no announcement. I can’t explain it.”
The 787 Dreamliner at the centre of the @united Airlines emergency in Sydney has just departed for San Francisco. #UA839 @abcnews @flightradar24 pic.twitter.com/lxCUAvNun9
— Nick Dole (@NicholasDole) October 4, 2018
A United Airlines spokesperson later blamed the mayday call on a mechanical issue.
“United Flight 839 from Los Angeles to Sydney landed safely in Sydney following a mechanical issue,” the spokesperson said.
“The aircraft taxied to the gate and all customers disembarked normally.”
An Airservices Australia spokesperson said the mayday call was sparked after the aircraft’s fuel plunged below a certain level.
“A fuel mayday triggers emergency procedures,” the spokesperson said.
“This was a precautionary procedure and at no time were the passengers at risk.”
The plane was later declared safe by airport firefighters.
Initial reports suggested the mayday call was sparked after dry ice began leaking on the plane. This claim was later denied.
A Sydney Airport spokesperson said there had been no flight delays or flow-on effects to other passengers following the incident. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau is investigating.
