Flight returns to Heathrow after suffering engine failure mid-air

A United Airlines flight to New York has returned to Heathrow Airport after reportedly suffering an engine failure mid-air.

Flight UA147 set off from Heathrow at 3.44pm today but performed a u-turn about ten minutes after take-off at more than 18,000ft.

The aircrafts transponder transmitted an emergency code at 3.55pm, according to aviation tracking website Flightradar24. 

United Airlines confirmed in a flight status update for passengers that the plane had to make the emergency return due to a technical issue on the plane.

The technical issue turned out to be an engine failure, news site AviationSource reports. 

The Boeing 767-300, which had 70 passengers and 11 crow on board, was en route to Newark in New York City when it had to return to Heathrow. 

Flight UA147 set off from Heathrow at 3.44pm today but performed a u-turn about ten minutes after take-off at more than 18,000ft

United Airlines confirmed in a flight status update for passengers that the plane had to make the emergency return due to a technical issue on the plane (stock of a United Airlines Boeing 767)

The aircraft safely touched down again at Heathrow at 4.37pm, according to Flightradar24. 

United flight 147 returned to London Heathrow airport to address a potential mechanical issue, United Airlines said in a statement. 

It added: The flight landed safely and was subsequently cancelled. We are working to rebook customers on the next available flight to Newark.

MailOnline has contacted Heathrow Airport for comment.