SAN FRANCISCO, CA – A panel missing from a Boeing United Airlines flight in southern Oregon raised concerns on Friday. As United Flight 433 landed in Medford, Ore., authorities discovered the external panel missing from the underside of the Boeing 737-800 aircraft upon arrival at Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport.
The aircraft, carrying 139 passengers and six crew members, landed without declaring an emergency, suggesting no immediate danger during the flight. United Airlines announced plans to investigate the incident and ensure the necessary repairs are made before the plane can resume service.
Following the investigation, Airport Director Amber Judd reported that no debris was found after the plane landed. Normal operations at the airport resumed shortly thereafter, with no significant disruptions caused by the missing panel incident.
Interestingly, this incident comes just two months after another Boeing aircraft, a 737 Max operated by Alaska Airlines, experienced a similar issue with a door panel mid-flight. This previous incident prompted a criminal investigation by the Department of Justice, indicating the seriousness of such occurrences in the aviation industry. It remains to be seen how United Airlines will address the missing panel on their aircraft and what measures will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.