United Airbus A321neo Lands Hard in Orlando, Loses Nose Wheel
A United Airlines Airbus A321neo faced a severe incident during landing at Orlando International Airport on January 18, 2026. The aircraft, operating as flight UA2323 from Chicago O’Hare (ORD) to Orlando (MCO), landed hard shortly after 12:30 PM, resulting in the loss of one of its nose wheels.
Incident Overview
The Airbus A321neo, registered as N14502 and just two years old, completed a routine flight lasting 2 hours and 19 minutes. However, the landing took an unexpected turn, leading to significant operational disruptions at the airport.
Details of the Landing
Initial landing attempts appeared standard, with the left rear wheels touching down first, followed by the right. Unfortunately, the aircraft bounced violently. This shift caused the left rear wheels to lift again, placing undue stress on the forward gear. Eventually, one of the nose wheels detached from the aircraft.
Ground Stop and Safety Measures
The incident triggered a ground stop at Orlando, impacting all airport operations during a peak travel period. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries, and the aircraft came to a halt safely on the runway.
Weather Conditions
At the time of the incident, gusty winds contributed to challenging landing conditions. However, it remains unclear why such a hard landing occurred. The mishap has drawn comparisons to a previous incident in 2024, where a Boeing 777 lost a wheel shortly after takeoff due to maintenance issues.
Future Implications
Currently, it is uncertain how long repairs will take for the affected Airbus A321neo. The potential for structural damage exists, as simply replacing the wheel may not suffice.
Conclusion
This unfortunate incident highlights the complexities of air travel, especially during challenging weather conditions. As investigations continue, questions remain regarding the landing mechanics of the A321neo. The aviation community will watch closely as updates emerge regarding repairs and safety evaluations.
