A dead body was found in the wheel well of a United Airlines plane two days after it landed at Kahului Airport on the island of Maui. The aircraft had taken off from Chicago O’Hare International Airport and completed a flight to Hawaii.
Authorities are still trying to determine how the person accessed the wheel well, which is not accessible from inside the aircraft. United Airlines said that investigators have not found any information on how or when the person entered the compartment.
The deceased person’s identity has not been released, nor has any identifying information been provided by authorities or the airline. It is unclear if the person was attempting to stow away on the flight, but it is a common method used by people trying to sneak onto aircraft.
Using wheel wells and other unpressurized areas as a means of entry is extremely hazardous due to freezing temperatures, lack of oxygen, and the risk of being crushed. However, some individuals have survived similar attempts in the past.
The incident has sparked an investigation, with the Maui Police Department actively looking into the matter. United Airlines and local authorities are working together to determine the circumstances surrounding the death.
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/travel/2024/12/26/body-wheel-well-united-airlines-hawaii/77230023007