United Airlines' Airbus A321neo had a tumultuous landing in Orlando, resulting in the loss of its nose wheel. The incident occurred on January 18, 2026, during a routine flight from Chicago (ORD) to Orlando (MCO). The aircraft, just two years old, was registered as N14502. The video shared by JonNYC provides a vivid account of the event. Despite the weather conditions, the initial landing seemed standard, but the plane's trajectory took a dramatic turn. It violently bounced to the right, with the left rear wheels lifting off the ground before the forward wheels touched down. Ultimately, one of the forward wheels separated, bringing the aircraft to a stop on the runway. This incident caused a ground stop at the airport, halting all operations during a peak travel period. The plane, unfortunately, will be out of service for an extended period while repairs are carried out.
The cause of the wheel separation remains a subject of speculation. While gusty winds were present, they don't fully explain the unusual sequence of events. The landing's progression, with the rear right gear bearing the brunt of the weight followed by the forward gear touching down, suggests a complex interplay of factors. This incident is reminiscent of a 2024 event where a United Boeing 777 lost a wheel during takeoff from San Francisco (SFO), attributed more to maintenance issues than to flight conditions.
The duration of the repair process for the A321neo is a matter of concern. It remains to be seen whether the replacement of the wheel will suffice or if structural damage has occurred. The investigation into this incident will be crucial in determining the exact sequence of events and the necessary actions to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
