A dead body was discovered in the wheel well of United Airlines Flight 202 after the aircraft landed at Kahului Airport, Maui, on Christmas Eve. The flight took off from Chicago O'Hare International Airport at approximately 9:49 AM local time and landed safely at around 2:12 PM local time.
Upon landing, United Airlines reported the grim discovery of the body lodged within the wheel well of the Boeing 787-10. This area, which serves as the compartment for the aircraft's retractable landing gear, is only accessible from outside the plane. United Airlines stated, "At this time, it is not clear how or when the person accessed the wheel well." This lack of clarity prompted immediate investigations by both the airline and the Maui Police Department.
According to the Maui Police Department, they are actively investigating the matter, though no additional information has been released concerning the deceased individual. The police indicated, "The Maui Police Department is currently conducting an active investigation... At this time, no details are available.” This secrecy raises questions about the identity of the deceased and how they may have gained access to such a dangerous and isolated location.
Stowaways using the wheel well of commercial aircraft as their method of travel are not unprecedented. Historically, this risky behavior has proven fatal for many, with statistics from the Federal Aviation Administration illustrating the dire consequences. The FAA notes, "Stowaways often get crushed when the landing gear retracts... Over 77% of people who have attempted to hitch... have died." These statements highlight not only the dangers but also the harsh realities of air travel at high altitudes.
Typically, the safety and monitoring of accessible compartments are priorities for airlines; nonetheless, this incident showcases the lengths to which individuals will go and the tragic outcomes when it goes wrong. The investigations conducted by United Airlines and law enforcement are aimed at determining how this individual was able to evade airport security and gain access to such a perilous hiding place, which present extreme risks including drastic temperature drops of as low as -80 degrees Fahrenheit and severe oxygen deprivation as altitude increases.
The body was located only after the plane had landed safely, causing no operational disruptions to other flights at Kahului Airport. State officials confirmed normal operations continued undisturbed, even as they navigate the fallout from this discovery. The incident has raised multiple questions internally within the aviation industry and among safety regulators.
While the investigation continues, there are broader discussions brewing about airport security measures and how such security could potentially be enhanced to prevent similar incidents from occurring, especially as air travel becomes ever more complex and risk-laden.
Survivors of previous stowaway attempts have led people to wonder about the motivations behind taking such dangerous actions. For many, the potential for escaping poverty or seeking new beginnings outweighs the sheer risks involved. Most stowaways, regardless of their backgrounds or intentions, are unaware of the fatal odds stacked against them.
This incident on Christmas Eve serves as grim punctuation to the dangers associated with aviation and the lengths people may go to seek freedom. The investigation may sooner or later reveal much about the individual who tragically lost their life and perhaps some unanswered questions around security protocols within aviation.”
