Dramatic video has emerged showing the terrifying moment a United Airlines passenger jet lost its front wheel during a rough landing in Florida. The incident, which involved an Airbus A321neo carrying 200 passengers and six crew members, occurred at Orlando International Airport on Sunday.
Footage Captures Terrifying Landing Sequence
The shocking footage, which quickly spread online, initially shows the aircraft descending towards the runway with its landing gear seemingly intact. The landing appeared routine until the rear wheels touched down, causing the front of the plane to slam onto the tarmac. A man filming the event can be heard exclaiming, 'Holy s***' as the jet bounced and rocked violently. Moments later, the aircraft's front wheel detached completely and was seen rolling away to the right side of the runway.
Airline and Regulator Respond
In a statement, United Airlines confirmed that Flight 2323 from Chicago O'Hare experienced a 'mechanical issue' upon landing around 12.35pm local time. The airline assured that no injuries were reported among the 206 people on board. However, passengers had to be transported by bus from the disabled aircraft to the terminal.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) provided a different initial assessment, telling media outlets that 'the aircraft became disabled after making a hard landing.' The regulator has officially opened an investigation into the cause of the failure. At this time, the exact nature of the mechanical problem remains unclear.
Weather Speculation and Operational Impact
Some observers online speculated that high winds may have been a factor. The National Weather Service reported gusts of up to 56 mph in Orlando on the day of the incident. While this has not been confirmed as a cause, the FAA's database noted that flights at Orlando airport experienced delays.
This event follows another recent incident involving United Airlines. In September 2025, Flight 32 made an emergency landing after a fire alert, though an inspection later found no signs of actual flames. The latest failure in Orlando underscores ongoing scrutiny of aviation maintenance and safety protocols.
The investigation by the FAA will seek to determine whether the wheel detachment was an isolated mechanical fault or indicative of a broader issue, as the aviation industry continues to prioritise passenger safety above all.
