After coming in to land at the Maui, Hawaii airport, a body was found in the wheel well of a United Airlines flight.
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The plane, originating from Chicago, had made its flight at 9.49 am. It had then crossed the ocean, arriving in Hawaii at 2.12 pm. Although it is unclear as to how the dead body got into the wheel compartment of the flight, it can be presumed that it was in Chicago.
United Airlines released a statement that "At this time, it is not clear how or when the person accessed the wheel well." The areas should be secure, and the runways should always be clear of people. Wheel wells of aircraft are incredibly dangerous.
Police speaking about the body found in the wheel well of the flight say, "The Maui Police Department is currently conducting an active investigation regarding a deceased individual discovered on an incoming flight from the mainland this afternoon. At this time, no further details are available."
A Dangerous Way To Cross The Ocean
There have been several reported incidents of people trying to stow away on flights in the wheel compartments of planes. However, despite there being enough place for a body or two in the wheel storage of a flight, the conditions are less than ideal.
Being able to get into the wheel well is one thing, but staying is much harder. As the wheels retract, the space is limited. But, the real problems begin as the plane gains altitude. At cruising altitude, a plane is around 35,000 feet.
At this altitude, the temperature can drop to -40 to -50f. There is also very little oxygen. Due to this, it is very unlikely a body will be able to survive a flight in the wheel well of a plane. People can easily die in these extreme conditions. Despite it seeming like a possible way to smuggle someone, it is commonly fatal.
The flight from Chicago to Hawaii is no short distance, taking around 10 hours. This is far too long for a body to survive the conditions of a wheel well on a flight. Even a short amount of exposure to these temperatures will quickly become fatal.
