A United Airlines plane en route to Osaka, Japan, from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) lost one of its tires shortly after takeoff on Thursday morning, causing damage to several cars in an employee parking lot. Despite the mishap, the Boeing 777 aircraft managed to land safely at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) without any injuries reported among the 235 passengers, 10 flight attendants, and four pilots on board.
The fallen tire, which created a brief moment of alarm, led to a temporary closure of the runway at SFO for debris clearance. However, operations were swiftly resumed, indicating the efficiency of the airport’s emergency response protocols. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced an investigation into the cause of the unusual incident, which adds to the recent scrutiny of Boeing’s quality controls following an unrelated issue involving a 737 Max aircraft earlier in the year.
United Airlines, in a statement, reassured passengers and the public that the Boeing 777 is equipped to handle such situations safely, thanks to its robust design and redundant landing gear system. The airline also confirmed that arrangements were being made for an alternative aircraft to continue the passengers’ journey to Osaka.
LAX representative Dae Levine confirmed the jet’s safe landing at 1:23 p.m., noting that the event did not impact airport operations significantly. “They were able to pull up to the gate,” Levine stated, highlighting the smooth handling of the situation upon the plane’s arrival.
As U.S. regulators delve into the investigation, this incident underscores the importance of stringent quality controls and safety measures in aviation. It also demonstrates the resilience of aircraft design and the critical role of prompt and effective response from airport and airline personnel in ensuring passenger safety.
