When you're flying, it's safe to say that you generally don't want to see parts of the plane falling off as you're lifting off.

But that's exactly what happened today at LAX, when a United Boeing 757 taking off for a flight to Denver lost a wheel from the landing gear.  

The plane continued its takeoff normally ... and completed the flight to Denver, landing there safely.

So how serious is losing a wheel on an airplane?  

KNX News chief correspondent Charles Feldman put that question to Laura Einsettler ... she's a veteran and active commercial airline pilot who flies Boeing planes.

The Boeing 757 is an older model jet that's still flying for several airlines ... the United plane that lost a wheel is nearly 30-years old.

When you're flying, it's safe to say that you generally don't want to see parts of the plane falling off as you're lifting off.
But that's exactly what happened today at LAX, when a United Boeing 757 taking off for a flight to Denver lost a wheel from the landing gear.  
The plane continued its takeoff normally ... and completed the flight to Denver, landing there safely.
So how serious is losing a wheel on an airplane?  
KNX News chief correspondent Charles Feldman put that question to Laura Einsettler ... she's a veteran and active commercial airline pilot who flies Boeing planes.
The Boeing 757 is an older model jet that's still flying for several airlines ... the United plane that lost a wheel is nearly 30-years old.

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