A video capturing a United Airlines pilot repairing a plane's window just before takeoff has gone viral, sparking discussions about aviation safety. Shared by passenger Kristin Gallant on her Instagram stories, the footage shows the pilot fixing the interior side of a window on a flight from Dallas to Denver.
In the video, the pilot can be seen holding a window seal and attempting to put it back into place, prompting Gallant to express shock and raise questions about the pilot's role in such repairs.
United Airlines pilot puts a window back into place a few minutes before takeoff
— 𝕏𝕔hi𝘭𝘭iຖ໐iˢ (@chiIIum) April 10, 2024
This was filmed by a passenger on a Denver-Dallas flight. pic.twitter.com/JOMiszWjzu
Fortunately, the flight landed safely in Dallas without any issues. United Airlines clarified that the pilot was handling a cosmetic component called a bezel, which is not essential for the safe operation of the aircraft.
While it remains unclear which type of plane was involved, the incident has drawn attention amidst a series of recent aviation safety incidents. Just days prior, a terrifying video emerged showing the engine of a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 tearing apart during takeoff, leading to an emergency landing in Denver.
The Federal Aviation Administration has initiated an investigation into the Southwest Airlines incident, highlighting the ongoing scrutiny and concerns surrounding air travel safety. As passengers and regulators remain vigilant, incidents like these underscore the importance of stringent safety measures in aviation operations.