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A flight operated by United Airlines had to make an unplanned landing in California when one of its tires dislodged during the flight and caused harm to multiple vehicles in a San Francisco parking lot.
On Thursday at approximately 11:24am, an event took place after a Boeing 777 departed from San Francisco International Airport. The passenger aircraft was en route to Japan with 235 passengers and 14 crew members.
Footage of the event revealed one of the aircraft’s six wheels separating and falling off during takeoff.
The aircraft was diverted to Los Angeles International Airport where fire trucks were on standby. The plane successfully touched down and came to a halt about two-thirds of the way down the runway. LAX airport officials reported that it was then towed off the runway.
There were no injuries reported, according to a statement from airport representative Doug Yakel.
Shortly after the plane landed, it was discovered that the tire had fallen onto a designated employee parking lot at San Francisco International Airport.
Images of the incident depicted multiple vehicles with severe damage after colliding with the side and rear windows of a silver Toyota Corolla. The vehicles were empty and there were no injuries reported.
A car that was harmed is visible in a staff parking area at the San Francisco International Airport, where a piece of tire from a Boeing 777 fell and hit it.
No individuals were injured during the event.
This material is protected by copyright in 2024 by The Associated Press and all rights are reserved.
Tony Molinaro, a spokesperson for the Federal Aviation Administration, announced that an inquiry has been initiated regarding the event.
United Airlines thanked their pilots and flight attendants and stated that they will cooperate with those whose vehicles were damaged.
“United Airlines expressed gratitude towards our pilots and flight attendants for their professionalism in handling the situation,” the statement read.
We are also thankful for our ground teams who had a tug ready to move the plane shortly after landing, and our airport teams who helped customers upon their arrival.
“We will work with customers as well as with the owners of the damaged vehicles in SFO to ensure their needs are addressed.”
Doug Yakel, spokesperson for Los Angeles airport, reported that the runway was temporarily closed and passengers were evacuated in order for debris to be removed by crews.
He stated that there was no additional effect on airport activities.
The possibility of aircraft tires becoming detached is highly unlikely and does not suggest a bigger safety concern, according to aviation specialists.
Alan Price, a previous chief pilot for Delta Air Lines, explained to the Associated Press that in aviation, we strive to prevent single points of failure whenever possible, and this situation is a prime example of that.
He stated that the rest of the tires are fully equipped to carry the weight, clarifying that it is a matter of maintenance rather than manufacturing.
In Atlanta, a Boeing 757 plane lost its nose wheel in January while taxiing on the runway, leading to an investigation by the FAA. This incident is the same one being referenced.
Source: independent.co.uk
