A British Airways flight bound for London Heathrow experienced a dramatic incident during take-off from Las Vegas this week, when one of its landing gear wheels detached moments after leaving the runway.
Incident Details and Safe Landing
The event occurred on Monday evening, 26th January 2026, involving flight BA274 from Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas to Heathrow Airport in London. According to video footage captured on a Flightradar live stream, an object—identified as a rear landing gear wheel—was seen falling from the right side of the Airbus A350-1000 shortly after departure.
Despite the loss of the wheel, the aircraft continued on its nearly 10-hour transatlantic journey without further issues. It took off at 8:44 pm local time and landed safely in the UK at approximately 2:30 pm, with no injuries reported among passengers or crew.
Official Statements and Investigation
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has confirmed it is investigating the incident. In a statement, the FAA said, “British Airways Flight 274 lost a tyre during takeoff from Harry Reid International airport in Las Vegas around 8:45 pm local time on Monday, 26 January. The Airbus A350 continued to Heathrow Airport in London, where it landed safely.”
A spokesperson for British Airways emphasised the airline's commitment to safety, stating, “Safety and security underpins everything we do and we’re supporting the authorities with their investigations.” This response highlights the carrier's proactive approach to addressing such occurrences and ensuring compliance with aviation regulations.
Context of Similar Aviation Incidents
This is not an isolated event in recent aviation history. Earlier in January, a United Airlines flight experienced a similar issue when the front wheel detached during a hard landing at Orlando's main airport. That incident, which occurred on 18th January, involved flight 2323 from Chicago O’Hare airport and resulted in a brief ground stop at Orlando before operations resumed.
The FAA provided a preliminary statement on the United Airlines case, noting, “The aircraft became disabled after making a hard landing.” These back-to-back incidents underscore ongoing challenges in aircraft maintenance and landing gear safety, prompting increased scrutiny from regulatory bodies.
Implications for Aviation Safety
The safe landing of the British Airways flight demonstrates the robustness of modern aircraft design, particularly the Airbus A350-1000, which is engineered to handle such contingencies. However, the loss of a wheel during take-off raises important questions about pre-flight inspections and maintenance protocols.
- Investigation Focus: Authorities will likely examine factors such as tyre wear, landing gear mechanics, and operational procedures to prevent future occurrences.
- Passenger Assurance: Airlines and regulators must balance transparency with public confidence, ensuring travellers remain informed without causing undue alarm.
- Industry Trends: With multiple incidents in a short timeframe, the aviation sector may see enhanced safety directives or updated guidelines from bodies like the FAA.
As the investigation progresses, stakeholders will be keen to learn the root cause and any corrective measures implemented by British Airways and Airbus. For now, the incident serves as a reminder of the complexities of air travel and the critical importance of stringent safety standards in the global aviation industry.
