A United Airlines Boeing 767-300ER experienced substantial damage during a challenging landing at Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). The incident occurred on Saturday, July 29th, as the aircraft, operating as United Airlines flight UA702, was arriving from Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).
Despite the hard landing on runway 26L at 10:34 local time, all 193 passengers and 11 crew members on board remained unharmed. However, the aircraft sustained significant damage, including wrinkling and tearing of the fuselage. Photos shared on social media showcased the extent of the harm.
Registered as N641UA, the aircraft had previously flown from Palma de Mallorca (PMI) to Newark on flight UA237 before its Houston journey. Data from FlightRadar24.com indicated that the Boeing 767-300ER remained grounded in Houston for three days following the incident.
The aircraft involved in the incident was delivered to United Airlines in April 1991, making it over 32 years old and the oldest 767-300ER in the airline's fleet. United Airlines plans to retire its 767-300ER fleet, along with its aging 777-200s, by 2030 and replace them with the Boeing 787, for which the carrier has 100 orders.
The cause of the hard landing is still under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), while the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been informed of the situation. United Airlines stated that the damaged aircraft is currently parked in Houston and has no scheduled flights. The decision to repair or retire the 767-300ER will be determined based on the extent of the damage and the aircraft's condition.