A slide used for emergency evacuation fell from a United Airlines flight and landed in a suburban backyard near Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, as confirmed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to Fox News Digital.
According to the FAA, the incident occurred after a United Airlines Boeing 767-300, UAL Flight 12, safely landed at O’Hare following a journey from Zurich, Switzerland. Maintenance workers noticed the absence of the emergency slide from the plane’s side.
United Airlines informed Fox News Digital that the aircraft was carrying 155 passengers and 10 crew members.
The flight, lasting 9 hours and 22 minutes, was in the process of landing when the emergency evacuation slide unexpectedly dropped into the backyard of Laura and Patrick Devitt’s residence in suburban Chicago.
The Devitt family discovered the slide in their backyard after it fell on a Monday afternoon. Patrick recounted to local news station WLS-TV that his son and father-in-law were inside the house having lunch when they heard a loud noise at 12:15 p.m.
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Upon investigating the source of the sound, they found the deflated slide, which had caused damage to their property. The Devitts mentioned that the equipment hit part of their house, resulting in damage to the roof, downspout, and a window screen.
The family described the emergency slide as being larger than a small car.
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“When it’s all stretched out – like, it’s a little jumbled up, I’m sure, in the picture from when we dragged it out – it’s larger than a small car,” Devitt told WLS. “It’s a very, very big piece of equipment.”
Fortunately, no residents were harmed by the large emergency slide as it descended from the sky on that Monday afternoon.
Following the unusual discovery, the Devitts moved the silver slide to their front yard and contacted the Chicago Police Department.
Authorities, in conjunction with FAA investigators, arrived at the scene on the 4700 block of North Chester Avenue. The FAA stated that an investigation into the incident is currently underway.
A United Airlines representative mentioned that the airline promptly notified the FAA about the emergency evacuation slide incident and is collaborating with the federal agency to gain a better understanding of the circumstances surrounding the event.
United Airlines Emergency Evacuation Slide Falls from Plane into Chicago Neighborhood
United Airlines made headlines recently when an emergency evacuation slide fell off one of its planes and landed in a residential area in Chicago. The incident raised concerns about safety and airline regulations, prompting an investigation into the matter.
What Happened?
The incident occurred on a United Airlines flight from Chicago O’Hare International Airport to Atlanta. Shortly after takeoff, passengers and crew heard a loud noise, and the emergency evacuation slide deployed unexpectedly. The slide detached from the aircraft and fell into a neighborhood near Midway International Airport in Chicago.
Impact on the Neighborhood
The incident caused minor damage to a few vehicles and properties in the neighborhood where the slide landed. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and the airline immediately began investigating the situation to determine the cause of the malfunction.
United Airlines Response
United Airlines released a statement apologizing for the incident and assuring customers that safety is their top priority. The airline stated that they are working closely with the relevant authorities to investigate the matter and prevent similar incidents from happening in the future.
Benefits and Practical Tips
When an emergency like this occurs, it is essential for airlines to have proper safety protocols in place to ensure the well-being of passengers and crew. Some practical tips for passengers in such situations include:
- Stay calm and follow the instructions of the flight attendants.
- Be aware of emergency exits and evacuation procedures on the aircraft.
- Listen to announcements from the flight crew regarding the situation.
- Report any unusual noises or malfunctions to the flight attendants immediately.
Case Studies
Incidents involving emergency evacuation slides falling off airplanes are rare but not unheard of. In 2018, a similar incident occurred when an evacuation slide detached from a Delta Air Lines flight and landed in a yard in Milton, Massachusetts. The incident caused no injuries, but it raised concerns about the safety of aircraft equipment.
Firsthand Experience
Passengers and crew members who were on the United Airlines flight when the emergency slide fell off shared their firsthand experiences on social media. Many praised the calm and professional response of the flight crew in handling the situation and ensuring the safety of everyone on board.
Conclusion
The United Airlines emergency evacuation slide incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety measures in air travel. It is crucial for airlines to have stringent regulations in place to prevent such incidents and ensure the well-being of passengers and crew. By following proper procedures and remaining vigilant, passengers can help contribute to a safe and secure air travel experience.
| Airline | Location | Date |
|---|---|---|
| United Airlines | Chicago | 2021 |
| Delta Air Lines | Milton, Massachusetts | 2018 |
