The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently conducting an investigation into an incident involving a United Airlines Boeing 737-800. The aircraft lost an external panel during its descent before safely landing at Medford Airport in Oregon last Friday.
United Flight 433, carrying 139 passengers and six crew members, had departed from San Francisco and was en route to Medford Airport. At approximately 1:45 p.m. PDT (2045 GMT), the aircraft touched down safely despite the missing panel.
Following the successful landing, a thorough post-landing inspection of the 25-year-old airplane revealed the absence of an external panel. United Airlines has also initiated its own investigation into the incident. Notably, no emergency was declared during the flight, as there were no indications of damage while the aircraft was in the air.
This incident comes on the heels of other recent events involving United Airlines-operated aircraft. Just last week, a Boeing 737 MAX operated by United rolled onto the grass and off the runway in Houston, prompting further investigations.
Additionally, a United-operated Boeing 777-200 bound for Japan experienced a tire loss shortly after takeoff from San Francisco. The flight was diverted to Los Angeles, where it landed safely.