In a startling aviation incident, a British Airways aircraft departing from Las Vegas lost one of its main landing gear wheels during takeoff, yet proceeded to complete its transatlantic journey to London Heathrow safely. The event, which unfolded on Monday evening, January 26, was captured on an automated livestream, drawing widespread attention as viewers witnessed the wheel detach and tumble down the runway.
Flight BA274's Dramatic Departure
The flight, identified as BA274, was operated by an Airbus A350-1000 aircraft. As it ascended from Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, the right-rear wheel of the main landing gear separated from the plane. The wheel crashed to the ground and rolled along the runway, a moment that was recorded by Flightradar24's livestream setup. Despite this mechanical failure, the cabin crew conducted an immediate engineering review once the aircraft reached cruising altitude.
Safe Completion of the Nine-Hour Journey
Following the assessment, staff determined it was safe to continue the nine-hour flight across the Atlantic. The plane landed without further incident at London Heathrow Airport at 14:28 on Tuesday, January 27. As a precaution, emergency services were on standby upon arrival, but their assistance was not required. No injuries were reported in connection with the wheel loss, either on the ground in Las Vegas or among the hundreds of passengers onboard.
Aviation Safety and Response
British Airways issued a statement emphasising their commitment to safety, noting that they are cooperating with authorities in the ongoing investigation. The airline highlighted that safety and security are foundational to their operations. In the aftermath, the aircraft has been taken out of service for a thorough review and necessary repairs, as reported by flight news network AIRLIVE.
Understanding the Risks and Protocols
Losing a wheel during takeoff poses significant risks, including potential damage to property or harm to individuals on the ground if the wheel strikes them. However, modern aircraft are designed with redundancy in mind; most planes, including the Airbus A350-1000, feature eight tyres on the main landing gear. This design allows for continued safe operation even if a tyre bursts or is lost, as explained by aviation experts.
The decision to proceed with the flight rather than divert to a closer airport was made in consultation with airline operations and engineering teams. This approach is standard practice when the aircraft's safety systems remain within acceptable margins, ensuring that such incidents are managed without compromising passenger safety.
Historical Context of Similar Incidents
This is not an isolated event in aviation history. In 2024, a United Airlines flight experienced a similar occurrence when a wheel came loose during takeoff from San Francisco International Airport. That incident was also captured on video, showing the wheel hurtling toward the ground as the plane continued its flight. These cases underscore the importance of robust safety protocols and the resilience of modern aircraft design in handling unexpected mechanical issues.
As investigations into the British Airways incident continue, the aviation community remains focused on learning from such events to enhance safety measures further. The successful landing at Heathrow serves as a testament to the rigorous training of flight crews and the advanced engineering of contemporary aircraft.
