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United Airlines low fuel mayday triggers Australia emergency landing
SYDNEY, Oct 4, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – A United Airlines plane landed safely at
Sydney Airport Thursday after low fuel reserves triggered a mayday call from
the pilot.
Police called a “full emergency response” and briefly closed major roads
surrounding the airport as a precaution at 6:36 am (2036 GMT Wednesday) after
the pilot of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, flying from Los Angeles, raised the
alert.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported that 180 passengers and 14 crew
disembarked safely.
“(UA 839) had a low fuel situation and a mayday due to fuel was advised
which initiated a level III emergency response,” Airservices Australia said
in a statement.
The national air navigation provider added the response was standard
procedure when a mayday is called.
Most passengers on board were reportedly unaware the alarm had been raised.
“United flight 839 from Los Angeles to Sydney landed safely in Sydney
following a mechanical issue,” the American carrier said in a statement.
“The aircraft taxied to the gate and all customers disembarked normally.”
BSS/AFP/MSY/1303 hrs