In a heart-stopping incident this morning, United Airlines Flight 2477 from Memphis encountered a mishap while landing at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston. The Boeing 737, carrying 160 passengers and 6 crew members, skidded off the runway, leaving the jet precariously balanced half on and half off the tarmac.
Eyewitnesses captured alarming images of the aircraft tilted to the side, seemingly resting on one of its wings, as emergency crews swiftly responded to the scene. Miraculously, all passengers were evacuated safely, and there were no reported injuries, according to an airport spokesperson.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a statement, indicating that the incident occurred around 8 a.m. local time as the flight was attempting to exit onto the taxiway. “United Airlines Flight 2477 rolled onto the grass when exiting onto the taxiway,” the FAA stated. Passengers were deplaned on the taxiway and transported to the terminal via buses.
United Airlines corroborated the sequence of events, assuring that the safety of passengers is their utmost priority. “As it was exiting the runway for the gate, the aircraft left the pavement and entered the grass along Runway 9-27,” the airline stated. They further assured that no flights were delayed as a result of the incident.
While the cause of the mishap is yet to be determined, a chilling photograph emerged showing a wheel detached from the plane. However, it remains unclear whether this was a contributing factor to the incident. Passengers described a smooth landing followed by a bumpy taxiing experience, heightening concerns over potential mechanical issues.
The aftermath of the incident left passengers stranded on the aircraft for over an hour, with their belongings still onboard. Uncertainty loomed as fears of missed connecting flights surfaced among the affected travelers. United Airlines pledged to provide further updates and assistance to those impacted.
The FAA has initiated an investigation into the incident to ascertain the root cause and prevent similar occurrences in the future. Meanwhile, travelers are advised to check with the airline for any updates on their flights and to address any concerns they may have regarding the incident.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities remain committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all air travelers. The swift response and successful evacuation underscore the importance of rigorous safety protocols in aviation, emphasizing that passenger safety remains paramount in all circumstances.
