In yet another alarming incident, a United Airlines aircraft lost a wheel during takeoff, adding to a series of safety issues that have put the carrier under federal review. United Flight 1001, a Boeing 757-200, departed from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) en route to Denver on Monday morning. Shortly after takeoff, around 7:15 a.m., the aircraft lost one of its wheels.

Despite this, the plane managed to land safely in Denver shortly after 10 a.m., according to a United Airlines spokesperson. There were no injuries reported among the 174 passengers and flight crew onboard, nor any harm on the ground. The wheel was later recovered in Los Angeles, and United Airlines has initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the incident. Details regarding how the wheel became detached are still pending.

Previous Safety Concerns and FAA Oversight

This latest incident follows a similar event in March, where another United Airlines aircraft lost a wheel shortly after takeoff. That wheel fell into a parking lot, causing damage to several cars. These and other incidents have led the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to place United Airlines under “increased oversight.” The FAA’s review includes incidents involving an engine fire, stuck rudder pedals, and other missing or damaged parts. Ian Gregor, an FAA spokesperson, confirmed that the agency is aware of the latest incident in Los Angeles and will be conducting an investigation. This review is part of a broader examination of United Airlines’ operations due to the multiple safety concerns reported earlier this year.

What do the Authorities Say?

Aviation experts, including David Evans, an FAA-certificated airline transport pilot and flight instructor, consider the loss of a plane tire a “rare incident.” Evans noted that while such occurrences are uncommon, they usually do not result in severe consequences.

United Airlines has experienced a series of troubling incidents throughout the year, prompting a heightened focus on safety. Here is a timeline of reported events:

• July 8: Boeing 757-200 loses a wheel on takeoff but lands safely.
• March 18: United Airlines CEO addresses “recent issues” in a letter.
• March 15: Missing panel discovered on a Boeing 737-800.
• March 8: Boeing 737 Max 8 tilts and rolls onto grass, causing an evacuation.
• March 7: Boeing 777-200 diverts after a tire falls off, damaging parked cars.
• March 4: Engine fire mid-flight prompts emergency landing.
• Feb. 21: “Security issue” onboard leads to emergency landing.
• Feb. 19: Boeing 757-200 diverts due to a damaged wing.
• Feb 6: Boeing 737 Max 8 experiences “stuck” rudder pedals on landing.

Measures for Safety

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby acknowledged these issues in a March letter to customers, emphasizing the importance of safety. “Unfortunately, in the past few weeks, our airline has experienced some incidents that are reminders of the importance of safety,” Kirby wrote. He assured customers that the airline is reviewing each incident to understand the underlying causes and improve safety training and procedures.

Kirby’s commitment to safety includes using insights from these incidents to inform changes across all employee groups and implementing already planned improvements. As United Airlines navigates increased scrutiny and works to restore confidence, the emphasis remains on ensuring the highest safety standards for its passengers and crew.