By John Q. Hosedrinker 
A deceased individual was discovered within the wheel well of a United Airlines Boeing 787-10 following its arrival at Kahului Airport in Maui on Tuesday. The plane originated from Chicago on Christmas Eve. Access to this area is solely from outside the aircraft, making the circumstances of the person’s presence unclear. United Airlines is cooperating with law enforcement in their investigation into this incident.
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The discovery of a body in the wheel well of a United Airlines flight after landing in Hawaii is a grim reminder of the inherent dangers of stowing away on an aircraft. The sheer improbability of surviving such a journey is immediately striking. At cruising altitude, the outside temperature plummets to around -60°F, and oxygen levels are drastically reduced to approximately 5%. The combination of freezing temperatures, extreme lack of oxygen, and the intense pressure changes during ascent and descent makes survival for even a short period highly unlikely, let alone the nine or more hours of a transpacific flight.
This incident raises the question of why such attempts continue to occur. It seems baffling that individuals would undertake this perilous journey without first researching the extremely low probability of survival. The numerous documented cases of stowaway fatalities highlight the inherent risks, yet people continue to attempt this incredibly dangerous feat. The thought process involved is difficult to fathom. One can only imagine the desperation that would compel someone to risk almost certain death.
The specific route of this United Airlines flight – originating in São Paulo, Brazil, with a layover in Chicago before continuing to Maui – adds another layer to the mystery. It raises the possibility that the stowaway may have boarded the aircraft in Brazil or Chicago, highlighting potential security lapses at either airport. The fact that the body wasn’t discovered until the plane landed in Hawaii suggests a failure in the thoroughness of pre-flight checks at both departure points.
The sheer number of documented stowaway attempts adds context to this tragic event. Reports indicate hundreds of attempts worldwide since 1947, with a staggering fatality rate of over 75%. The low survival rate underscores the extreme danger involved and begs the question of what could possibly motivate such a risk. While some might survive through a combination of factors like accidental hibernation, these are exceptionally rare occurrences and should not be taken as a measure of reasonable expectation of survival.
While the vast majority of stowaway attempts end in death, documented cases of survival do exist. News reports detail instances of individuals surviving flights, albeit with severe consequences. These rare survival stories, however, do not negate the overwhelming statistical reality that the vast majority of people attempting to stow away perish. It’s crucial to remember that these successful cases are exceptions that do not diminish the perilous nature of this action.
The incident has also sparked discussion regarding airport security and the efficacy of current measures. Some question the effectiveness of TSA screenings, wondering if the procedures are truly adequate in preventing such incidents. The possibility of a breach in airport security, whether through negligence or deliberate action, is a serious concern that requires careful investigation. Similarly, the possibility of the body being missed during maintenance checks at Chicago’s O’Hare airport is a substantial cause for concern. These potential flaws in security and maintenance procedures must be addressed to prevent future tragedies.
While some commenters express a lack of sympathy for the deceased, considering the act a form of suicide with additional steps, others highlight the desperation that might drive individuals to such extreme measures. The underlying causes, often linked to poverty, political instability, or a desperate desire for a better life, should not be overlooked. It is essential to approach this situation with both a focus on security and compassion for those trapped in circumstances that might make such a desperate and fatal decision seem like the only option.
Ultimately, the death of a stowaway in a United Airlines flight’s wheel well serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of attempting such a feat. It underscores the need for improved airport security, more rigorous pre-flight checks, and a deeper understanding of the socio-economic factors that might drive individuals to such desperate measures. The incident should serve as a catalyst for change, aiming not only to prevent future tragedies but also to address the underlying issues that make such perilous journeys seem like the only possible choice. The story isn’t just about a single tragedy, but a complex confluence of systemic failures and desperate human action.