Jet Loses Landing Gear After Takeoff from Los Angeles

Southwest Airlines

Los Angeles, CA — In a harrowing incident on Monday morning, a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-700 lost part of its landing gear shortly after takeoff from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), prompting an emergency return and safe landing. Flight WN1455, en route to Denver, experienced the malfunction minutes after departure, leading to a tense situation for passengers and crew.

Incident Overview

Flight WN1455 departed LAX at approximately 8:15 AM local time, carrying 143 passengers and 5 crew members. Shortly after takeoff, the flight crew reported an issue with the aircraft’s landing gear. Air traffic control was notified, and the pilots declared an emergency. The aircraft entered a holding pattern over the Pacific Ocean to burn fuel and allow emergency services to prepare for a potential emergency landing.

After approximately 45 minutes in the air, the aircraft safely returned to LAX and landed on Runway 25L. Emergency crews were on standby, but the landing proceeded without further incident. Passengers were deplaned and transported back to the terminal.

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Passenger Accounts

Passengers described a tense atmosphere onboard during the incident. One passenger recounted, “There was a loud noise shortly after takeoff, and then the captain informed us of a landing gear issue. The crew remained calm and professional, which helped keep everyone else calm.”

Another passenger noted, “We circled over the ocean for a while, and the crew kept us informed throughout. The landing was smooth, and we were relieved to be back on the ground safely.”

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Airline and FAA Response

Southwest Airlines issued a statement confirming the incident:

> “Southwest Flight 1455 returned to Los Angeles International Airport shortly after takeoff due to a mechanical issue involving the landing gear. The aircraft landed safely, and all passengers and crew were deplaned without injury. We apologize for the inconvenience and are working to accommodate our customers on alternate flights.”

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the incident to determine the cause of the landing gear malfunction. The aircraft has been taken out of service for inspection and maintenance.

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Context and Safety Record

This incident is the latest in a series of mechanical issues involving commercial aircraft. In July 2024, a United Airlines Boeing 757-200 lost a wheel during takeoff from LAX but landed safely in Denver . Earlier in December 2024, a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 experienced a tire burst while landing at LAX, leading to damage to the undercarriage .

Despite these incidents, aviation experts emphasize that commercial air travel remains one of the safest modes of transportation. Airlines and regulatory bodies continuously monitor and address safety concerns to maintain high safety standards.

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Next Steps

Passengers from Flight WN1455 were rebooked on alternate flights to their destinations. Southwest Airlines is cooperating fully with the FAA’s investigation and will conduct its internal review to prevent similar incidents in the future.

As investigations proceed, further details will be released by the FAA and Southwest Airlines. Passengers with concerns or requiring assistance are encouraged to contact Southwest Airlines’ customer service.