United Airlines Flight Diverted to Denver Due to Wing Issue
An unusual and concerning incident occurred on a United Airlines flight from San Francisco to Boston on Monday, as the aircraft was diverted to Denver due to an issue with the plane’s wing. A worried passenger on board captured the apparent problem on video, showing the wing coming apart as the plane prepared to land in Denver. The passenger, Kevin Clarke, expressed his anxiety and relief as the flight neared its end.
The Boeing 757-200, carrying 165 passengers, landed safely in Denver after the issue with the wing became apparent following takeoff from San Francisco. United Airlines spokesperson, in a statement to WBZ-TV, confirmed that the flight was diverted to Denver to address an issue with the slat on the wing of the aircraft, and that the passengers were later accommodated on another plane to complete their journey to Boston.
The incident drew attention from another passenger who shared a photo of the damaged wing on Reddit, expressing concerns about the loud noise and seeking advice on whether to notify the flight crew. The situation prompted another passenger to alert the flight attendants, reflecting a sense of relief and apprehension among those on board.
These events add to the ongoing scrutiny of aircraft safety, particularly surrounding Boeing planes. The incident involving the United Airlines flight comes in the wake of a separate event where a door panel on a 737 Max 9 aircraft blew off during an Alaska Airlines flight in January. This incident, combined with other recent safety concerns, has led to increased oversight and accountability within the aircraft manufacturing industry, particularly for Boeing.
After being put on a different plane, the passengers eventually landed in Boston early Tuesday morning, marking the end of a journey filled with unexpected challenges.
By Neal Riley, with contributions from various news sources.