CHICAGO- United Airlines (UA) Boeing 767, originally deemed destined for scrap after sustaining significant damage from a hard landing, has undergone extensive repairs over the past seven months and is poised to resume passenger service.
This particular aircraft is a Boeing 767-322, initially delivered to United Airlines in 1991. While United intends to phase out its aging 767 fleet in favor of new Airbus A321XLR aircraft, these replacements are not anticipated to enter service with United until at least 2025.
United Damaged 767 Returns
The Boeing 767 and the upcoming Airbus A321XLR, set to replace it, hold a distinct role in United’s fleet, primarily operating on ‘long and thin’ routes. This unique function likely influenced United’s decision to invest significant time and resources into repairing the aged aircraft.
Designated by registration N641UA, the aircraft incurred damage following an otherwise standard flight from Newark to Houston Intercontinental Airport on July 29, 2023. During landing, the nose wheel made contact with the runway with an unusual force, as outlined in a preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
The impact was significant, with the nose wheel experiencing a gravitational force equivalent to approximately 1.4g. Subsequent inspection post-flight unveiled substantial damage to the upper fuselage, characterized by wrinkles and tears.
While such repairs are feasible, the investment’s viability must be deliberated.
Extensive Repairs for 7 Months
Many onlookers presumed United had deemed this aircraft irreparable, but contrary to expectations, it underwent extensive repairs on-site at Houston Intercontinental over the past seven months.
Recently, the aircraft was transported to Wilmington, where it underwent a series of test flights before heading to Lake Charles for a fresh coat of paint.
In the near future, the aircraft is anticipated to reintegrate into the United fleet for commercial operations.
While such repair endeavors are uncommon, they are not unprecedented. In a similar instance in 2019, a Delta Air Lines Boeing 757 sustained comparable damage following a hard landing in the Azores. Opting for repair over scrapping, Delta had the aircraft back in service within a mere four months.
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