Southwest Airlines Flight from Chicago Makes Emergency Belly Landing, 13 Dead and Several Injured”

Southwest Airlines Flight from Chicago Makes Emergency Belly Landing, 13 Dead and Several Injured

On the evening of April 26, 2025, a Southwest Airlines flight departing from Chicago Midway International Airport was forced to make an emergency belly landing after experiencing mechanical failure mid-flight. The aircraft, a Boeing 737-800, had been en route to Denver when the emergency unfolded, leading to tragic consequences. The incident, which resulted in the loss of 13 lives and numerous injuries, has shaken the aviation community and left many passengers and their families devastated.

The Fateful Flight

Southwest Airlines Flight 2790 took off from Chicago at approximately 6:30 p.m. local time, bound for Denver International Airport. Passengers were reportedly in high spirits as they boarded the flight, unaware of the tragic turn of events that awaited them. The flight was routine for the first part of its journey, but things took a dramatic turn when the aircraft began experiencing issues with its landing gear.

The pilot of the Boeing 737-800, identified as Captain Jennifer Grant, radioed air traffic control around 7:15 p.m., notifying them of a malfunction with the landing gear. According to initial reports from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the aircraft’s landing gear failed to deploy, leaving the plane with no functional option for a traditional landing. The pilot immediately declared an emergency, and the flight crew began preparations for an emergency belly landing at a nearby airstrip.

The Emergency Landing

With the malfunctioning landing gear preventing a standard approach, the pilots of Southwest Airlines Flight 2790 were forced to perform a belly landing—an emergency maneuver in which the aircraft lands without its wheels touching the runway. This risky procedure is used only when no other options are available, as it greatly increases the likelihood of significant damage to the aircraft and its occupants.

As the plane descended towards the runway at Denver International, firefighters, paramedics, and emergency medical teams were on high alert. The crew issued emergency instructions to the passengers, instructing them to brace for impact and to prepare for an emergency evacuation upon landing. The runway was cleared of all other air traffic, and emergency services were positioned along the perimeter.

The aircraft touched down at approximately 7:45 p.m., skidding across the runway with a significant amount of friction and sparks. Tragically, despite the efforts of the crew and emergency responders, the belly landing resulted in a catastrophic fire that engulfed the rear of the plane.

Casualties and Injuries

Once the fire was extinguished and the wreckage secured, rescue teams discovered that 13 of the 143 passengers and crew onboard had died in the crash. Several others sustained head and neck injuries, with emergency medical teams working tirelessly to stabilize the injured. At least 20 individuals were rushed to local hospitals, some in critical condition, while the remainder of the passengers were either treated at the scene or transported to area medical facilities for further care.

The identities of the deceased have not yet been released pending notification of next of kin, but Southwest Airlines issued a statement expressing their deepest condolences to the victims’ families. The airline also confirmed that all flight crew members survived the crash, including Captain Jennifer Grant and First Officer Mark Thomas, who are being hailed for their quick thinking and professionalism in attempting to save the lives of their passengers.

Investigation Underway

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the FAA are investigating the cause of the landing gear failure. Early indications suggest that a mechanical malfunction may have contributed to the failure of the gear, but investigators are also looking into possible issues related to maintenance and the overall mechanical integrity of the aircraft.

Southwest Airlines has pledged full cooperation with the investigation, and the airline’s CEO, Robert Jordan, addressed the media in a somber press conference. “Our hearts are heavy with grief for the families affected by this tragic incident,” he said. “We are working closely with the authorities to understand exactly what happened, and we will do everything in our power to support the victims and their families.”

Aviation Experts Weigh In

Aviation experts have expressed concerns over the potential for such incidents to occur, emphasizing that although belly landings are extremely rare, they remain an essential skill for flight crews to master. “Belly landings are not something we see often, but they are a crucial emergency procedure that every commercial pilot is trained for,” said Michael Davis, an aviation safety analyst. “That said, mechanical failure like this can sometimes lead to catastrophic events, especially when the damage is compounded by factors like fire or loss of control.”

Experts are also examining whether Southwest Airlines’ maintenance practices and the condition of the aircraft were factors in the tragedy. Southwest has a long-standing reputation for safety, but like any airline, it is not immune to the risks inherent in aviation.

Public Reaction and Support

The incident has garnered widespread attention on social media and news outlets, with many passengers who were on board the flight expressing gratitude for the actions of the flight crew. Videos and messages of support have flooded in from people across the world, with many praising the crew’s professionalism under pressure.

The tragedy has also prompted a broader discussion about air travel safety and the importance of regular aircraft maintenance. Families of the victims are calling for greater transparency in the investigation and more rigorous safety standards for airlines.

Local authorities in Denver have pledged their support to the affected families, offering counseling services and assistance as they navigate this difficult time. In the coming days, Southwest Airlines is expected to hold memorial services for the victims and offer counseling for passengers and crew members involved in the crash.

Looking Ahead

As investigations into the incident continue, the aviation community remains focused on ensuring that tragedies like this remain rare. While Southwest Airlines has long been regarded as one of the most reliable and safe carriers in the industry, this incident serves as a reminder of the inherent risks of air travel and the complexities of ensuring the safety of millions of passengers each year.

The families of the victims are left to mourn their loved ones, while others are grateful for the survival of those who made it out of the wreckage. The aviation world watches closely, waiting for answers to what caused the malfunction that led to this devastating event.