A male body was found in the wheel well of a United Airlines Boeing 787-10 after it landed in Maui, raising concerns about stowaway safety as police investigate the incident.

The alarming discovery highlights the serious risks associated with stowaway attempts, as more than 77% of individuals attempting to hide in airplane wheel wells have died, according to the FAA. United Airlines has confirmed that access to the wheel well is only possible from outside the aircraft, leaving investigators to determine how the individual managed to gain entry before the flight from Chicago on Christmas Eve.

The incident occurred shortly after the plane landed at Kahului Airport in Maui. Upon arrival, ground crews conducting routine checks discovered the remains in the wheel well and promptly notified authorities. In response, the Maui Police Department initiated a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the individual's access to the aircraft.

The investigation is hampered by the limited information available regarding when and how the deceased entered the wheel well. Stowaway attempts to hide in aircraft wheel wells are notably perilous due to the extreme conditions at high altitudes and the potential for crashes upon takeoff. According to industry experts, those who attempt such risky methods often do so under the hope of reaching distant lands, unaware of the lethal risks involved.

United Airlines emphasized the security protocols in place to prevent unauthorized access to planes, noting that access to the wheel well is not only restricted but also closely monitored. The airline stated, "We take such incidents seriously and are fully cooperating with the investigation to further enhance our safety measures. We strongly advise against stowaway attempts, given the inherent dangers."

While the exact identity of the individual has not been released, the investigation continues to seek more details about his background and how he managed to remain unnoticed during the flight. Sources indicate that the body is male, although no further information regarding his identity has been disclosed at this time.

Each year, stowaway incidents are reported around the world, highlighting challenges faced by airports in securing their facilities. The discovery of a body in a wheel well is not an isolated event; numerous similar cases have been documented. Aviation safety officials express concerns that these incidents reflect a broader issue of airport security and the need for enhanced monitoring systems to deter unauthorized access.

Despite the tragic occurrence, United Airlines confirmed that flight operations at Kahului Airport were not disrupted due to this incident. The plane was thoroughly inspected following the discovery, and its airworthiness was not compromised. Passengers onboard the flight from Chicago remained unaware of the events that transpired in the wheel well until the authorities issued a public statement.

The Maui Police Department is committed to resolving the case and has urged anyone with information about potential stowaway activities at the airport to come forward. It is unclear how or when the person accessed the wheel well.

As investigations continue, experts are calling for comprehensive reviews of existing airport security measures, particularly concerning aircraft access points. They emphasize that protecting against stowaway attempts is crucial not only for the safety of individuals seeking entry into the aviation network but also for the overall security of the airline industry as a whole.