Following takeoff, a harrowing incident unfolded as a 265-pound wheel detached from a United Airlines jet, careening into multiple cars in a nearby parking lot. The flight, en route to Osaka, Japan, was forced to divert to Los Angeles Airport (LAX), where it made a safe landing despite the missing wheel.
The Boeing 777-200ER aircraft, equipped with a dozen main landing gear tires divided between two substantial struts, demonstrated its resilience in the face of adversity. United Airlines assured that the plane is designed to safely land even with missing or damaged tires.
Footage capturing the alarming moment when the wheel dislodged from the United Airlines Boeing 777 shortly after departing from San Francisco International Airport circulated widely. The wheel’s trajectory led it through a fence and into parked cars nearby.
Flight 35, scheduled for Osaka, Japan, faced an unexpected detour due to the incident, touching down at LAX without further incident. While no injuries were reported among the 235 passengers, 10 flight attendants, and four pilots aboard the 22-year-old aircraft, the gravity of the situation was palpable.
The affected Boeing 777-200ER boasts a robust landing gear system with six wheels per leg, totaling twelve tires overall. United Airlines reiterated the aircraft’s capability to safely handle such anomalies, highlighting its reliability in challenging circumstances.
Acknowledging the professionalism of the flight crew in navigating the crisis, United Airlines extended gratitude to ground teams for their swift response. Prompt assistance upon landing ensured the well-being of passengers and facilitated the aircraft’s subsequent movement.
As investigations into the incident unfold, both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are diligently seeking the root cause. Their efforts aim to enhance safety protocols and prevent similar occurrences in the future.