A United Airlines Boeing 767 jet lost a landing gear wheel during takeoff, creating a safety concern. The incident occurred at Newark Liberty International Airport, New Jersey, as the aircraft was departing for a transatlantic flight to Europe. Shortly after liftoff, one of the aircraft’s main landing gear wheels detached and fell onto the runway, prompting airport officials to issue an alert.
The flight crew was quickly informed of the situation by air traffic control, and they immediately took action to assess the aircraft’s condition. Despite the potential severity of the incident, the pilots were able to stabilize the plane and continue the flight safely. Passengers on board were initially unaware of the issue but were later informed by the crew as the situation developed.
In response to the incident, United Airlines released a statement confirming that the aircraft had indeed lost a wheel during takeoff but assured that the flight landed safely at its destination without further complications. The airline emphasized that the safety of passengers and crew is its top priority, and that it is conducting a thorough investigation in collaboration with aviation authorities to determine the cause of the wheel’s detachment.
No injuries were reported among the passengers or crew, and the plane was taken out of service for inspection and necessary repairs upon arrival. This incident, while alarming, highlights the effectiveness of modern aircraft safety protocols and the training of flight crews to handle unexpected mechanical issues in mid-flight. However, it also raises concerns about maintenance practices and the need for stringent checks to prevent such occurrences in the future.