A United Airlines Airbus A321neo suffered a terrifying landing mishap at Orlando International Airport on Sunday after its nose wheel broke off during a storm-battered touchdown, causing a temporary shutdown of runways at one of America’s busiest tourist hubs.
According to The Traveler, on January 18, 2026, upon landing in Orlando, the aeroplane—operating as United flight 2323 from Chicago O’Hare—encountered strong wind gusts and heavy rain. The aircraft reportedly had about 200 passengers and six crew members onboard.
Videos now circulated across social media captures the United Airline plane slamming onto the wet runway, bouncing violently and swerving as it slowed, before one of its nose wheels visibly went off and rolled away across the tarmac.
Following what could have been a tragedy, United Airlines stated that no injuries were reported despite the terrifying event. Later, buses were used to return passengers to the terminal after they were removed from the aircraft on the runway.
Eyewitnesses called the landing “terrifying,” according to the report, and passengers reported a forceful impact followed by an abrupt forward lurch. Some claimed that it wasn’t until the aircraft stood motionless on the runway and the captain reported damage to the nose gear that they realised how serious the situation was.
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Meanwhile, there were reports of severe weather at the time. As a strong winter storm system passed across central Florida, wind gusts over fifty miles per hour were recorded, creating new worries regarding aviation operations during severe weather.
While aviation safety specialists examine whether the nose wheel collapse was brought on by the hard landing, potential mechanical problems, or a mix of both, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has stated it is looking into the event. It is expected of investigators to examine maintenance records, flight data, and audio recordings from the cockpit.
United Airlines stated that it is fully assisting authorities and confirmed that the aircraft has been taken out of service pending inspections. The airline emphasised that safety procedures operated as intended and referred to the event as a “landing incident.”
The incident, which occurs amid increased scrutiny of airline safety procedures and operations under increasingly severe weather circumstances, contributes to the public’s rising awareness of landing gear failures involving commercial aircraft.
Airport operations in Orlando were later restored after the damaged aircraft was removed from the runway.
Watch the video
United Airlines Plane makes a stormy landing, while losing its nose wheel at U.S. Airport. pic.twitter.com/iTFx1ydty0
— Instablog9ja (@instablog9ja) January 19, 2026
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