A United Airlines Boeing 757-200 experienced a critical incident on Monday, July 8, 2024, when it lost a wheel during takeoff from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Despite the alarming event, the aircraft continued its scheduled flight to Denver and landed safely. The incident occurred at approximately 8:30 AM PDT, and no injuries were reported.
According to United Airlines, the plane took off from LAX without any initial signs of malfunction. However, shortly after becoming airborne, air traffic control and ground personnel observed that one of the main landing gear wheels had detached from the aircraft. The flight crew was immediately informed of the situation.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has initiated an investigation into the cause of the wheel loss. The FAA’s preliminary report confirms that the plane, identified as a Boeing 757-200, was able to maintain stability and control throughout the flight. The aircraft landed at Denver International Airport (DEN) at around 11:45 AM MDT, where emergency services were on standby as a precaution.
Passengers aboard the flight reported being unaware of the wheel loss until they were informed by the crew after landing. “The landing was smooth, and it wasn’t until we were on the ground that we realized what had happened,” said passenger Mark Stevens, who was traveling for business. “The crew handled everything professionally and kept us calm.”
United Airlines has issued a statement acknowledging the incident and assuring the public of their commitment to safety. “The safety of our passengers and crew is our top priority. We are working closely with the FAA to investigate this incident and ensure it does not happen again,” the airline said.
This event marks the latest in a series of safety-related issues for United Airlines this year. The airline is already under a comprehensive safety review by federal aviation officials due to a string of incidents that have raised concerns about its operational safety standards. The details of these previous incidents have not been disclosed in full, but they have contributed to the heightened scrutiny.
Aviation experts are closely monitoring the situation, emphasizing the importance of thorough maintenance and inspection protocols. “Losing a wheel during takeoff is a rare occurrence, and it indicates a potential lapse in the aircraft’s maintenance routine,” said aviation safety analyst John Riley. “It’s crucial for United Airlines to identify the root cause and address any underlying issues.”
As the investigation progresses, the FAA will examine maintenance records, inspect the aircraft, and interview the flight crew and maintenance personnel involved. Preliminary findings are expected to be released in the coming weeks, followed by a detailed report outlining the cause and any recommended safety measures.
United Airlines is one of the largest airlines in the world, operating thousands of flights daily. The airline has a mixed safety record, with recent years showing an improvement in overall safety statistics. However, the recent incidents have prompted both industry experts and the flying public to call for increased transparency and accountability.
Travelers and industry stakeholders are awaiting the outcome of the FAA’s investigation, hoping for reassurances that such incidents will be prevented in the future. United Airlines has expressed its commitment to implementing any recommendations made by the FAA to enhance its safety protocols.
In the meantime, the Boeing 757-200 involved in Monday’s incident has been grounded for a thorough inspection and maintenance review. The airline has made arrangements for alternative flights for affected passengers, ensuring minimal disruption to their travel plans.
