Stowaway tragedy: Body discovered in plane's landing gear
A man's body was discovered in the landing gear compartment of a United Airlines plane from Chicago at the Maui airport. It is unknown how he got inside. However, foreign media note this is a common way to travel as a stowaway.
A macabre discovery was made at Kahului Airport in Maui, Hawaii, reports the "Independent". A body was found in the landing gear compartment of a United Airlines plane that arrived from Chicago. Local police are "actively conducting an investigation" into the matter.
Body in the airplane landing gear
Representatives of United Airlines reported that "the body was found in the plane's landing gear compartment after arrival at Kahului Airport in Maui on Tuesday, December 23rd, Eastern Time."
It is currently unknown how and when the man gained access to the landing gear, which was only accessible from outside the Boeing 787-10 aircraft.
The company stated that it is cooperating with law enforcement on the investigation. At this stage, however, Maui police are not releasing any details other than confirming that the discovered remains were of a man.
According to CNN, hiding in the landing gear compartment is the most common method used by stowaway passengers. However, it is extremely dangerous, as it can lead to hypothermia and hypoxia during the plane's ascent.
The American Automobile Association predicts that a record number of people will travel by plane this holiday season.
Source: "Independent", CNN
