Authorities are investigating the discovery of a body in the wheel well of a United Airlines plane after it arrived in Maui. The incident took place on Christmas Eve, when United Airlines flight 202, a Boeing 787-10, landed at Kahului Airport from Chicago. The body was found in the wheel well of one of the aircraft’s main landing gears. The discovery has sparked an investigation into how the person accessed the wheel well and how they died.
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United Airlines Statement
United Airlines confirmed the incident in an emailed statement, describing it as an ongoing investigation. The airline stated, “The wheel well was only accessible from outside of the aircraft. At this time, it is not clear how or when the person accessed the wheel well.”
United Airlines has expressed its cooperation with law enforcement authorities throughout the investigation. The airline’s spokesperson also noted that the discovery occurred after the flight 202 landed in Maui on Tuesday. The flight had flown from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport to Kahului Airport on the island of Maui.
Maui Police Department Investigates
The Maui Police Department has confirmed it is “actively investigating” the discovery of the body. However, police have not released any additional details at this time. The department has yet to disclose the identity of the person or the cause of death.
While the investigation continues, officials have assured the public that the incident has not affected operations at Kahului Airport. The airport remains fully operational, and flights continue without disruption.
Stowaways and the Risks of Wheel Wells
The discovery of the body in the wheel well raises concerns about the dangers faced by stowaways who attempt to hide on aircraft. According to CNN, “Hiding in a plane’s wheel well is the most common method used by stowaways.” This risky method of travel exposes individuals to extreme dangers, including freezing temperatures, lack of oxygen, and the potential to be crushed by the plane’s landing gear.
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has reported that over 77 per cent of stowaways do not survive the journey. These fatalities are often caused by hypothermia, the lack of oxygen at high altitudes, or the crushing pressure of the landing gear. The discovery at Kahului Airport highlights the serious risks faced by individuals who attempt such dangerous methods of stowing away.
Investigating the Cause of Death
At this stage, authorities have not revealed how the person died. The individual’s identity remains unknown, and the investigation continues to gather details. United Airlines and the Maui Police Department have not shared further information about the incident. However, the discovery of the body in the wheel well suggests that the person may have attempted to hide on the plane during its journey from Chicago.
The FAA and other agencies often work together to investigate incidents involving stowaways. While these cases are rare, they shed light on the dangers of attempting to travel in such extreme conditions. The vast majority of stowaways do not survive the flight, with the plane’s cold temperatures and low oxygen levels being some of the primary factors that lead to fatalities.
A Somber Discovery at Maui Airport
The tragic discovery of the body in the wheel well of United Airlines flight 202 has raised concerns over the safety of stowaways and the potential risks associated with such acts. Despite the serious nature of the investigation, airport operations at Kahului Airport were not affected. The public and local authorities continue to await further details from both United Airlines and the Maui Police Department.
The discovery is a stark reminder of the extreme lengths some people may go to in an attempt to enter the United States or reach other destinations. However, the dangers of such actions are well documented, and stowaways face extreme risks, including death, when attempting to hide on aircraft. As the investigation into this incident progresses, authorities will likely focus on uncovering how the person managed to access the wheel well and the events leading up to their death.
Conclusion
The tragic discovery of a dead body in the wheel well of a United Airlines flight from Chicago to Maui underscores the severe dangers faced by stowaways. Despite the investigation, authorities have not yet revealed the identity of the individual or the cause of death. The incident highlights the need for heightened awareness of the risks associated with hiding on planes and serves as a stark reminder of the fatal consequences of such attempts. “The wheel well was only accessible from outside of the aircraft. At this time, it is not clear how or when the person accessed the wheel well,” said United Airlines in their statement.
