Jeff Carey is a veteran reporter covering sports and architecture. He was the founding editor of the Minneapolis Mini Times, a local paper with a circulation of more than 500,000. He divides his time between the east and west coast.
Denver - A United Airlines pilot found himself waiting at the lost luggage counter for three hours to retrieve a missing airplane wheel. The incident occurred following a dramatic takeoff from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on Monday, where a Boeing 757-200 lost one of its wheels during departure.
The flight, carrying 174 passengers and 7 crew members, managed to complete its journey to Denver International Airport without incident, landing safely despite the missing wheel. Upon arrival, the pilot, adhering to protocol, made his way to the lost luggage area, where he patiently waited alongside bewildered travelers.
"I never thought I'd be filing a claim for a misplaced airplane part," the pilot reportedly quipped to fellow passengers. The wheel, which had rolled across two runways into a cargo area at LAX, was eventually located and shipped to Denver.
This event marks the latest in a series of incidents for United Airlines, which is already under scrutiny by federal aviation officials.
The airline has faced multiple safety-related issues in recent months, including emergency landings and aircraft malfunctions.
As the investigation into the cause of the wheel detachment continues, United Airlines reassures passengers of their commitment to safety. Meanwhile, travelers are advised to keep an eye out for any unusually large, round objects at baggage claim.
Jeff Carey is a veteran reporter covering sports and architecture. He was the founding editor of the Minneapolis Mini Times, a local paper with a circulation of more than 500,000. He divides his time between the east and west coast.
Copyright © 2026. All rights reserved.