In an unnerving but remarkable sequence of events, a United Airlines Boeing jet was accosted by a precarious mechanical failure shortly after taking off from Los Angeles. As the aircraft ascended towards Monday’s clear, Californian skies, it inexplicably lost one of the wheels from its primary landing gear. Miraculously, the jet continued its flight unimpeded, ultimately managing a successful landing in Denver.
United Airlines confirmed that there were no casualties or injuries sustained, either on the ground or by the occupants of Flight 1001. The flight, incidentally, was carrying an aggregate of 174 passengers and 7 diligent crew members, all of who remained unscathed amidst the startling ordeal.
A statement released by the airline attempted to reassure nervous passengers and curious bystanders: “The wheel has been successfully relocated in Los Angeles, and we are currently in the process of investigating the circumstances that precipitated this event.”
In an intriguing, albeit unsettling coincidence, this is the second instance in recent weeks when a United Airlines jet was imperiled mid-air. On March 7, a United Boeing B777-200 jet had a similar predicament. After lifting off from San Francisco, the jet shed a tire while flying at considerable altitude. The loosened tire fell with a destiny of its own, eventually landing on a parked car at an airport employee parking lot.
Despite the undoubtedly shocking spectacle it must have been, there were no injuries or harm to humans reported from the incident. As disturbing as these instances may be, the lack of injuries or fatalities comes as a relief, and brings into relief the preparedness and professionalism with which air crews handle such sudden emergencies. Nevertheless, thorough investigations are essential to ensure the safety and integrity of future flights, the exact cause of these unusual mid-air shedding of wheels remains to be seen.
