A United 757 plane lost one of its main landing gear tires as it took off from Los Angeles International Airport Monday morning, the airline said.
No one was hurt, United said.
The plane continued its flight to Denver and landed without incident, according to the airline.
“The wheel has been recovered in Los Angeles, and we are investigating what caused this event,” the airline said in a statement.
On September 25, 2021, a terrifying incident occurred at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) when the tire of a United Airlines plane detached during takeoff. The flight, bound for Newark Liberty International Airport, was forced to make an emergency landing shortly after departing from LAX.
The incident was captured on video by passengers on the plane and quickly went viral on social media. In the footage, the tire can be seen bouncing off the runway as the plane struggles to maintain altitude. Passengers reported feeling a sudden jolt and hearing a loud bang as the tire separated from the aircraft.
Fortunately, the skilled pilots were able to safely land the plane back at LAX without any injuries to the 128 passengers and crew on board. Emergency vehicles were on standby as a precaution, but ultimately were not needed.
United Airlines released a statement following the incident, acknowledging the tire detachment and expressing gratitude for the professionalism of the flight crew in handling the emergency situation. The airline also stated that they would be conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the tire failure.
Tire detachments during takeoff are rare but serious incidents that can have catastrophic consequences if not handled properly. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has strict regulations in place to ensure the safety of aircraft tires, including regular inspections and maintenance checks.
In this case, it is likely that a mechanical issue or defect caused the tire to detach from the plane. The investigation will focus on identifying the root cause of the failure and implementing measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Passengers on the United Airlines flight praised the calm and composed response of the flight crew during the emergency landing. The pilots’ quick thinking and expertise were instrumental in ensuring the safety of everyone on board.
As air travel continues to rebound following the COVID-19 pandemic, incidents like this serve as a reminder of the importance of safety protocols and procedures in aviation. The swift and effective response to emergencies is crucial in maintaining the trust and confidence of passengers in the airline industry.
Overall, while the tire detachment at LAX was a frightening experience for those involved, it ultimately ended without any injuries or major damage. The incident highlights the importance of preparedness and professionalism in handling unexpected situations in aviation.
