backtrack
v. B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈbækˌtɹæk// UK //bˈæktɹæk// back·track
v. to go back to a previous place or time. In aviation, it means a pilot has to fly back to the airport because of a problem.
v. to return to a previous position, time, or state. In an aviation context, it refers to the act of reversing course to return to the departure airport due to an emergency or mechanical failure.
The pilot had to backtrack because of the storm.
After the engine failed shortly after takeoff, the pilot decided to backtrack to the airport for a safe landing.
The flight crew was forced to backtrack toward the coast as the weather system rapidly deteriorated, leaving them with no other safe option for an emergency landing.
From back + track.