United Airlines announced the discovery of a dead body in the wheel well of a flight from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to Hawaii Kahului Airport (OGG), flight number 202. An active investigation is in progress to understand the accident.
United Airlines: Further investigation in progress for accident
On Dec. 24, 2024, a dead body was found in the wheel well of an inbound United Airlines plane landing in Kahului Airport, Hawaii from Chicago.
The flight involved in the accident is a Boeing 787-10, which the wheel well can only be accessed externally. Local authorities are actively investigating how and when the person entered the compartment.
No further details of the deceased were provided by the airline nor authorities.
Similar accidents in the past
Accident of this kind is not rare in the industry. Stowaways often take rest in the wheel well despite the potential danger, resulting in similar accidents to this.
Unpressurised wheel hosues and cargo cabins on planes can be between minus 50 to 60 degrees Celsius while in-flight, as well as a lack of oxygen. Prolonged flight durations in harsh conditions like these leads to high casualty rates for accidents of this nature.
Follow for further updates to the accident.
