WASHINGTON (WKRC) – Pilots of United Airlines flight 108 declared a “Mayday” after experiencing an engine failure shortly after takeoff from Washington Dulles International Airport on July 25, according to PEOPLE. The Munich-bound Boeing 787, carrying 219 passengers and 11 crew members, encountered trouble as it ascended to 10,000 feet.

“Failure, engine failure, left engine, United 108,” the pilots informed air traffic controllers, according to a recording available on YouTube. “Declaring an emergency.” They added, “Mayday, mayday, mayday,” while flying at 5,000 feet.

Air traffic controllers instructed the pilots to make a right turn and return to the airport. However, the aircraft was too heavy to land immediately due to being fueled for a transatlantic flight. The pilots had to remain airborne until they could safely adjust the plane’s weight.

After completing a second loop around the airport and dumping the necessary fuel, the crew successfully landed the aircraft at Dulles after more than 30 minutes in the air. All passengers and crew deplaned safely.

A spokesperson for Washington Dulles told PEOPLE the plane landed safely and was checked by Airports Authority Fire and Rescue personnel before being towed to a gate. United Airlines stated the plane experienced a “mechanical issue.”