In a troubling repeat incident, a United Airlines Boeing 757-200 lost a wheel just moments after taking off from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on Monday morning. The flight, carrying 174 passengers and seven crew members, was en route to Denver when the mishap occurred around 7 a.m.
Video footage captured by RadarBox shows the wheel detaching from the aircraft’s undercarriage shortly after takeoff. United Airlines confirmed the incident in a statement, noting that the flight landed safely in Denver approximately three hours later. Thankfully, no injuries were reported among the passengers or crew.
United Airlines has launched an investigation into the cause of the wheel detachment. A spokesperson for the airline mentioned that the missing wheel was located in Los Angeles but did not confirm if it caused any damage on the ground.
This incident closely mirrors a similar event from March when a United Airlines Boeing 777-200 lost a wheel after departing from San Francisco on a flight to Osaka, Japan. That flight was diverted back to LAX and landed without incident, although the errant wheel caused significant damage to vehicles in an airport parking lot.
These recurring issues with United Airlines’ aircraft have raised concerns about maintenance and safety protocols. Boeing, the manufacturer of these jets, has faced intense scrutiny over the past few years. The company has been the subject of congressional investigations, lawsuits, and whistleblower testimonies alleging that safety regulations were often bypassed to cut costs.
Adding to Boeing’s troubles, the company recently pleaded guilty to criminal fraud charges related to the deadly crashes of two 737 MAX jetliners. This plea deal with federal prosecutors allows Boeing to avoid a felony criminal trial, but the company’s reputation continues to suffer.
The aviation community and passengers alike are now looking to United Airlines and Boeing for assurances that these safety concerns are being addressed. Ensuring the reliability and safety of their aircraft is crucial for maintaining public trust and preventing future incidents.
