Lee Huddleston wrote:
But the correct meaning
of the word is equivalent to our "breakdown." So by using PanPan you
are technically stating that you have a breakdown and need assistance
but it is not life-theatening yet. Such as a broken rudder without
the container ships bearing down on you.
yes this is correct, when the French have a breakdown of some device
or another it is said "tomber en panne"