How British Airways A350-1000 Lost a Main Wheel on Takeoff from Las Vegas
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience.
British Airways flight BA274, an Airbus A350-1000, lost a main landing gear wheel during takeoff from Las Vegas but completed its transatlantic journey safely to London.
Key Takeaways
- •British Airways A350-1000 (G-XWBN) lost a right-rear main landing gear wheel during takeoff from Las Vegas on January 26, 2026.
- •The flight, BA274, continued safely to London Heathrow, demonstrating the aircraft's built-in redundancy with its 12-wheel main gear system.
- •The aircraft was immediately taken out of service for inspection; an investigation into the maintenance history of the gear assembly is expected.
- •The incident highlights the critical importance of strict compliance with all manufacturer maintenance procedures for landing gear components.
A British Airways Airbus A350-1000 lost a main landing gear wheel during takeoff. The incident happened on Monday, January 26, 2026. Flight BA274 was departing from Las Vegas to London Heathrow. The aircraft, registered G-XWBN, continued its transatlantic journey. It landed safely in London after more than nine hours aloft.
Footage captured the wheel's separation shortly after liftoff. The video was shared by flight tracker Flightradar24. The object fell to the ground as the gear retracted. The separation involved the right-rear wheel of the British Airways A350-1000.
Key Details of the Incident
The flight originated at Harry Reid International Airport (LAS). The aircraft was taking off from Runway 26R. The loss was confirmed by live stream footage. The crew opted to continue the flight. This decision was likely made after consultation. They worked with airline operations and engineering teams.
Upon arrival, the aircraft was taken out of service. It is undergoing a full inspection and repair. An aviation maintenance investigation is expected. This probe will look into the gear assembly's history.
Widebody Aircraft Redundancy
The safe completion of the journey highlights widebody aircraft redundancy. The Airbus A350-1000 has a robust landing gear design. It features two main landing gear units. Each unit is equipped with a six-wheel bogie. This totals twelve main wheels. This built-in redundancy is critical. It allows for safe operation even after a single wheel failure. The flight crew’s decision to continue was based on this design. The Airbus A350 safety record is strong. The global fleet has logged over two million flights. It has recorded no fatalities in service.
- The A350-1000 uses a 12-wheel main landing gear system.
- This design provides crucial redundancy for safety.
- The crew safely completed the Las Vegas to London flight.
Industry Impact and Safety Focus
This BA274 wheel separation event is rare. However, it underscores the importance of maintenance checks. Landing gear failures can impact braking systems. They can also damage other aircraft components. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) oversees safety at the departure airport. The UK's Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) may also be involved. They would investigate the operational aspects.
Recent weeks have seen other landing gear issues. These include a separate nosewheel separation incident. Such events keep the spotlight on maintenance protocols. Airlines must ensure strict compliance with manufacturer procedures. This is vital for transatlantic flight safety and global operations.
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Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
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