British Airways Plane Loses Wheel During Takeoff from Las Vegas
A dramatic aviation incident unfolded on Monday evening when a British Airways aircraft experienced a wheel detachment moments after departing from Las Vegas. The event, captured on video and live stream, has sparked discussions about aviation safety protocols and aircraft resilience.
Incident Details and Flight Continuation
The incident occurred on January 26, 2026, at approximately 9:10 PM local time as flight BA274, an Airbus A350-1000, took off from Harry Reid International Airport bound for London Heathrow. Video footage shows the rear-most, outside wheel on the right main landing gear tumbling down as the plane gained altitude. According to aviation tracking sources, the Airbus A350-1000 main landing gear typically features six wheels arranged in three pairs, and the lost wheel was part of this configuration.
Despite the alarming occurrence, the BA pilot made the decision to continue the nine-hour transatlantic flight. The aircraft not only completed its journey safely but also arrived at Heathrow 27 minutes earlier than scheduled, demonstrating the plane's operational integrity even with the missing component.
Safety Response and Investigation
Authorities have confirmed that the wheel landed within the Nevada airfield, and fortunately, there were no injuries or damage reported on the ground. One of the primary risks associated with such incidents is the potential for falling tires to strike people or property below, but in this case, the outcome was benign.
Following the safe landing, the aircraft has been taken out of service for thorough inspection and necessary repairs, as reported by aviation news networks. In an official statement, British Airways emphasized, "Safety and security underpins everything we do and we’re supporting the authorities with their investigations." Similarly, Harry Reid International Airport acknowledged the incident, noting it involved a British Airways aircraft that departed safely and continued to London without further issues.
Broader Implications for Aviation
This event highlights the robustness of modern aircraft like the Airbus A350-1000, which can handle such mechanical anomalies without compromising passenger safety. It also underscores the importance of rigorous maintenance checks and pilot training in ensuring secure air travel. As investigations proceed to determine the cause of the wheel detachment, the aviation community will be closely monitoring findings to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of air travel, yet it also showcases the effectiveness of emergency protocols and the resilience of both aircraft and crew in managing unexpected challenges mid-flight.
