A tragic discovery was made upon the arrival of United Airlines Flight 202 at Kahului Airport (OGG) in Maui, Hawaii, as airport personnel found the body of a deceased individual in the aircraft’s wheel well. The flight originated from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) on December 25, 2024.
Incident Details
The Boeing 767-300ER landed without any reported mechanical or in-flight issues. However, during routine post-flight checks, ground crew located the body in the wheel well compartment, which houses the aircraft’s landing gear.
Authorities are investigating how the individual accessed the restricted area of the aircraft at Chicago O’Hare, one of the busiest airports in the world.
Challenges of Wheel Well Stowaways
Stowaways attempting to hide in wheel wells face extreme conditions:
Low Temperatures: The temperature can plummet to -50°F (-45°C) at cruising altitudes of 30,000-40,000 feet.
Lack of Oxygen: The high altitude leads to hypoxia, often resulting in unconsciousness or death.
Physical Risks: The confined space of the wheel well includes moving parts and limited stability during takeoff and landing.
The survival rate for wheel well stowaways is estimated to be less than 25%, making incidents like this both rare and perilous.
Ongoing Investigation
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and local law enforcement agencies are working together to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident, including:
How the individual breached airport security at Chicago O’Hare.
Whether they acted alone or with assistance.
The stowaway’s identity, nationality, and motive for attempting the journey.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident and are cooperating fully with authorities as they conduct their investigation. Safety and security remain our top priorities.”
Security Concerns
This incident highlights potential vulnerabilities in airport security protocols. Wheel wells are not designed for human access, and breaches suggest lapses in perimeter control. Airports are required to implement strict surveillance and monitoring to prevent unauthorized access to aircraft.
The discovery of the deceased individual in the wheel well of United Airlines Flight 202 underscores the dangers and desperation that can drive individuals to attempt such perilous journeys. As investigations continue, the aviation industry may face renewed scrutiny over security measures at major airports.
