During a distress situation, what phrase does a pilot communicate?

In a distress situation, a pilot communicates using the phrase "MAYDAY" repeated three times. This specific phrase is universally recognized in aviation as the standard distress call. The use of "MAYDAY" indicates that the aircraft is in a life-threatening emergency and requires immediate assistance. Repeating it three times ensures clarity and urgency, capturing the attention of air traffic control and other nearby aircraft, prompting them to prioritize the responding actions to the distress situation.

The other phrases listed are used for different levels of urgency in aviation communications. "HELP ME" is not an aviation-standard phrase and could lead to confusion, as it's not specifically defined in the communication protocols. "EMERGENCY" could inform others of a situation but lacks the standardized protocol necessary for immediate recognition of life-threatening scenarios. "URGENT" is another communication term, but it is used to indicate a situation that requires attention but is not life-threatening. Therefore, none of these alternatives provide the same level of urgency or standardization that "MAYDAY" does in identifying a critical need for help.