The incident occurred during the final landing approach of United Airlines Flight 12, which was inbound to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) from Zurich. No one was injured as a result, but the FAA and United are investigating the matter.

 

Falling Slide Results in No Injuries, But Buildings Received Slight Damage

As Paddle Your Own Kanoo reports, the incident happened as UA12, operated by a 24-year-old Boeing 767, was in the process of making its final approach to land at O’Hare. While no injuries were reported as a consequence of the incident, resident Patrick Devitt confirmed to local media that he heard a “loud boom” when the slide hit the side of his house. Devitt further confirmed that his roof was slightly damaged by the impact, which happened just to the side of the building.

 

FAA Takes Issue Into Investigation

Local residents dragged the slide – which remained deflated – into the street for inspection by both local law enforcement and investigators from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). As the outlet explains, these slide packs are usually attached to the interior of the cabin door, but, “…the Boeing 767, however, has overwing emergency exits where the slide pack is built into the side of the aircraft fuselage. In the event of a malfunction, it is possible for the pack to become detached in flight.”

 

After the incident, United personnel at ORD confirmed that an emergency slide was missing from the craft in question, a point that has now triggered an investigation into the incident. Commenting on the aftermath, a spokesperson for United said, “We immediately contacted the FAA and are working with our team to better understand the circumstances around this matter.”

 

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Source: frugal travel guy