CHICAGO- On December 24, 2024, Hawaiian officials discovered a body in the wheel well of a United Airlines (UA) plane at Maui Airport (OGG), Hawaii. The airplane flew from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD).
The event emphasizes the perils of stowaways trying to hide in aircraft wheel wells for covert voyages.
Dead Body Found on United Airlines
The body was recovered on Flight UA202, which arrived on time at Kahului Airport (OGG) in Maui. Investigators are seeking to discover how the individual gained access to the wheel well and what caused their death.
When the body arrived at Maui’s Kahului Airport, it was discovered in the wheel well of a Boeing 787-10.
United Airlines (UA) acknowledged the discovery, stating that the compartment is only accessible from outside the aircraft.
This raises serious issues regarding airport security and how the suspect was able to enter such a restricted area.
United Airlines is working with Maui police to determine what happened before this incident. The Maui Police Department is conducting an investigation, but no other information has been disclosed at this time.
Flight UA202 departed from Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport and arrived on time.
FlightAware, a flight tracking website, confirmed that there were no observed irregularities during the route.
Risks of Stowing in Aircraft
Stowing away in an aircraft’s wheel well is a particularly perilous conduct, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) claiming a death rate more than 77% among those attempting this mode of illicit transit.
The wheel well is a hazardous area. When the landing gear retracts after takeoff, the restricted compartment presents a substantial risk of crushing.
Furthermore, as the airplane ascends, oxygen levels decrease and temperatures can fall as low as -75 to -80°F. These harsh conditions frequently result in hypothermia, frostbite, or loss of consciousness.
The chances of survival on such a journey are limited, making this occurrence yet another terrible reminder of the risks some people incur in order to travel or escape.
Implications for Aviation Security
This incident raises serious questions about airport security protocols. Given that the wheel well can only be accessible from the outside, it is critical to determine how the suspect got past security at O’Hare International Airport.
Preventing such breaches is a major concern for airlines and airports around the world.
Improved perimeter security, surveillance, and routine inspections are required to reduce stowaway threats and safeguard both passengers and personnel.
Similar Incident
On December 5, 2022, Sussex Metropolitan Police located an unidentified black male in the wheel area of TUI Airways (BY) flight BY225 at London’s Gatwick airport. The flight originated in Banjul, Gambia.
Following the discovery of the deceased man without identity documents, British authorities notified the Gambian government. Authorities are unable to determine his name, age, nationality, or intended destination since he lacks proper documentation.
Medical teams transported the deceased to Worthing Hospital for evaluation. Ebrima G. Sankareh, the Gambian government spokeswoman, confirmed that officials in both countries have initiated investigations and will conduct DNA testing to identify the deceased.
The incident follows a series of similar occurrences involving African routes to Europe. In early 2022, Amsterdam police discovered a live stowaway in the nose wheel of a cargo jet flying from Kenya. A similar occurrence occurred in 2019, when a suspected stowaway fell off a Kenya Airways jet over England.
The Gambian authorities have emphasized their willingness to conducting a comprehensive investigation alongside British police. They intend to provide updates as the inquiry develops and new information becomes available.