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The pilot of United Airlines Flight 328 repeatedly called “mayday” as one of its engines exploded, raining debris on a suburb of Denver, Colorado.
“We had an engine failure, we have to turn. Mayday, mayday. United, uh, 28, ”the pilot said over the radio shortly after takeoff Saturday from Denver International Airport, according to the air traffic control call obtained by the Denver Post.
“United 328, heavy mayday, mayday, plane, uh…” repeated the pilot before air traffic control intervened and asked him to repeat his urgent call for help.
“United 328, fort mayday, the plane just suffered an engine failure, needs a turn immediately,” the pilot warns, soon getting permission to make a left turn ready for emergency landing.
The call came as its engine was completely engulfed in flames over Colorado, as captured by a shocking video that quickly went viral online.
Other footage showed debris falling from the sky that was filled with black smoke – with huge chunks of the engine falling on the Denver suburb of Bloomfield.
“Considering how many people are in Commons Park on a weekend day, we are more than thankful that no one has been hurt,” the city police said, a sentiment shared by others online.
“It’s mind-boggling to hear that no one was injured or killed when a plane crashed in the sky over a crowded neighborhood,” replied one follower.
Debris about 15 feet in diameter crushed Kirby Klements’ truck bed in front of his house, with other pieces landing in his backyard.
“If it had been 10 feet different, it would have landed right over the house,” he told The Associated Press. “And if anyone had been in the truck, they would have died.
Despite the tragedy, the plane to Hawaii landed safely at Denver International Airport, and no one on board or on the ground was injured, authorities said – much to the surprise of many at edge.
“At first I thought we were done. I thought we were going to fall, ”said Delucia, who stuffed her wallet in her pocket so that it could be easily identified if the plane fell.
“The pilot did an incredible job,” said Delucia.
The Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement that the plane suffered a failure of the right engine shortly after takeoff.
The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating. Authorities have not released any details on the causes of the failure.
With Post Wires
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