Tire Falls Off United Airlines Flight Departing from San Francisco Airport
SAN FRANCISCO – A tire fell off a United Airlines flight departing from San Francisco International Airport to Osaka, Japan on Thursday morning, according to officials. The incident occurred during takeoff, at approximately 11:35 a.m. The flight, United Flight 35, encountered a partial loss of landing gear tire, as confirmed by a United representative.
No Injuries Reported, Airport Operations Unaffected
The tire debris fell on one of the employee parking lots at the airport, causing no injuries. However, precautionary measures were immediately taken, with police cordoning off the affected area and surrounding vehicles. The flight was subsequently diverted to LAX, where it landed safely. United Airlines is currently making arrangements for a new aircraft to transport the passengers to Osaka later on Thursday.
Eyewitness Describes the Incident
An eyewitness, Gary Glass, provided a detailed account of the incident. He highlighted the potential danger the falling tire posed to bystanders and vehicles. Glass recounted how the tire fell from the departing aircraft moments after takeoff, bouncing off the ground, hitting several cars, and ultimately totaling a red Tesla. Multiple cars in the area were damaged, but fortunately, no one was hurt.
Uncommon Occurrence, Assurances from Aviation Experts
Aviation experts emphasized the rarity of planes losing tires and sought to reassure the public that such incidents do not pose a wider safety issue. They clarified that a single tire’s detachment is typically a maintenance-related matter and not indicative of a manufacturing problem. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is set to investigate the cause of the incident further.
United Airlines Response and Future Action
United Airlines promptly released a statement regarding the incident, affirming their swift actions in arranging an alternative aircraft to transport the passengers to Osaka. They expressed their gratitude to the flight crew and ground staff for their professionalism while managing the situation. The airline also committed to collaborating with affected customers and vehicle owners to address their needs.
The Associated Press contributed to this article.
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