Los Angeles, CA – A United Airlines jet experienced a harrowing incident during takeoff from Los Angeles, losing a landing-gear wheel in the process. Despite the mechanical failure, the flight was able to land safely in Denver, its intended destination, with no reported injuries, according to a statement released by the airline. This is the second such incident involving United Airlines this year, raising concerns about aircraft safety and maintenance protocols.
The aircraft involved in this incident was identified as a nearly 30-year-old Boeing 757-200, which was carrying 174 passengers and 7 crew members. Data from FlightRadar24 indicated that Boeing ended production of the 757 model in 2004, highlighting the age of the aircraft involved. This incident comes after a previous mishap involving a United Airlines Boeing 777-200 jet that lost a tire mid-air during a flight to Japan from San Francisco, causing the plane to make an emergency landing at Los Angeles International Airport.
Following a series of incidents involving United Airlines planes in recent months, concerns have been raised about the overall safety and reliability of the airline’s fleet. From emergency landings due to hydraulic system issues to aircraft rolling off taxiways and engine malfunctions, the string of incidents has sparked apprehension among passengers and aviation authorities alike. Additionally, a substantial financial impact was felt by United Airlines, attributing a significant loss in earnings to the grounding of Boeing planes following the incident involving a rival airline.
As investigations into the root cause of these incidents continue, passengers and industry experts alike are closely monitoring the developments to ensure that necessary measures are taken to enhance safety protocols. With safety being paramount in air travel, incidents like these serve as reminders of the critical importance of rigorous maintenance and inspection procedures to safeguard the well-being of passengers and crew members. The aviation industry remains vigilant in addressing safety concerns and implementing necessary changes to prevent future mishaps.