A chilling discovery at the Kahului Airport in Maui, Hawaii, has sent shockwaves through the aviation world. United Airlines flight 890, which had just completed its journey from San Francisco, landed on December 25, 2024, with a dead body in the wheel well. Authorities are now investigating how this tragic incident occurred, particularly how an individual could have gained access to such a dangerous part of the aircraft.
The stowaway’s fate was sealed the moment they hid in the wheel well, an area notorious for its extreme conditions, including subzero temperatures and near-zero oxygen levels. As the plane ascended into the sky, the person likely experienced a rapid drop in temperature, low oxygen levels, and unbearable pressure changes that would have proved fatal long before the flight ended.
The Shocking Discovery
Upon landing at Kahului Airport in Maui, airport personnel conducted a routine inspection of the United Airlines jet. What they found was nothing short of horrific—a body nestled in the wheel well of the aircraft. The discovery prompted immediate intervention by local law enforcement and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
United Airlines responded quickly, issuing a statement expressing its deep condolences to the family of the deceased. The airline also confirmed its full cooperation with the relevant authorities to uncover how this individual was able to gain access to the wheel well.
Stowaways attempting to sneak aboard planes are not a new phenomenon, but finding a body in such a perilous location is rare. The compartment where the body was discovered is located in the landing gear area, an extremely dangerous place for any human to occupy, especially at cruising altitudes. Temperatures there can plummet to -50°F (-45°C), making survival impossible without adequate protection.
How Stowaways Gain Access
The question on everyone’s mind is how exactly someone could have made it into such a perilous position. Typically, stowaways gain access to wheel wells by sneaking past airport security and climbing onto the landing gear of the plane before it departs. This is an incredibly dangerous and desperate move, as many stowaways have tragically lost their lives attempting similar feats in the past.
Authorities have pointed out that the individual likely boarded the flight at San Francisco International Airport, but the investigation is ongoing. As part of the inquiry, airport security footage will be reviewed to determine whether there were any signs of the individual entering a restricted area or evading surveillance.
The FAA has reminded the public that stowing away on a plane is illegal and extremely dangerous. In fact, over 100 people have died while attempting to stow away on planes since 1947, with most fatalities occurring in the wheel well or similar spaces.
Key Facts:
- Temperature in the wheel well can drop to -50°F.
- Survival chances are almost nonexistent without protection.
- Access to the wheel well is typically achieved by bypassing airport security.
The Dangerous Reality of Airplane Stowaways
This incident brings to light the severe risks associated with airplane stowaways. The wheel well is a confined, hostile environment, and it’s crucial to understand just how dangerous it is to attempt to travel in this way.
A person seeking refuge in such an area is exposed to hypothermia, as the air temperature at 30,000 feet is extremely cold. At cruising altitude, oxygen levels are significantly lower than on the ground, causing a stowaway to lose consciousness within minutes, often resulting in death before the aircraft has even begun its descent.
Aviation experts stress the importance of improving airport security to prevent such incidents. The process of sneaking into restricted areas of airports has remained a serious concern for many years, with multiple high-profile stowaway cases making headlines.
The Investigation and Public Response
Law enforcement authorities, along with federal agencies, are now investigating the incident. Local Maui police have assured the public that they are treating this case with the utmost seriousness, collaborating with federal agents to piece together the events leading up to the tragedy.
The airline industry, too, is under scrutiny. United Airlines has pledged to cooperate fully with the investigation and ensure that all necessary safety protocols are followed. While stowaways are rare, this tragic event underscores the need for ongoing vigilance and security improvements at airports nationwide.
In the aftermath, public reactions have been mixed. While many express sympathy for the deceased, others highlight the broader issue of how vulnerable certain parts of airports are to unauthorized access. Some experts suggest that this incident could lead to a reassessment of security measures for larger airports, especially in high-traffic international hubs.
