Stowaway tragedy: Body found in airplane landing gear at Maui
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 managed to get inside. Foreign media note, however, that this is the most 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, Greenwich 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
