'We have a problem:' Boeing 757 loses nose wheel during takeoff

NEW DELHI: A Boeing 757 jet operated by Delta Air Lines lost its nose wheel while preparing for takeoff from Atlanta, causing concern for the plane maker amidst a series of recent incidents involving its aircraft, reported AP.

The incident occurred around 11.15 am on January 20 at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, as Delta Flight 982 was taxiing for departure to Bogota, Colombia. The Federal Aviation Administration is currently investigating the matter.

"All customers and their bags were removed from the aircraft, transferred to the gate, and onto a replacement aircraft," said Delta. The airline apologized to its customers for the inconvenience caused by the incident. No injuries were reported, according to a Delta spokesperson who also mentioned that the plane was repaired and put back into service the following day.

Delta Flight 982 had a total of 172 passengers, two pilots, and four flight attendants on board at the time of the incident. Boeing, when contacted by The Associated Press, declined to provide any further comments.

"Tower, it sounds like we have a problem," reported the Delta pilot, having received a caution from another aircraft's crew about the loss of one of the two wheels on the front nose-gear, as heard on the recording available on liveatc.net.

The aircraft bound for Bogota, Colombia, was towed from the area. Passengers were relocated to a substitute plane, and the impacted jet resumed service the following day.

Notably, Boeing ceased production of the 757 almost 20 years ago. The company has faced a series of mishaps involving its planes in recent years, including the tragic crashes of Max 8 planes in Indonesia and Ethiopia, resulting in the loss of 346 lives between 2018 and 2019.

Delta reported that the plane, which experienced the wheel loss, was obtained in 1992, indicating an age of approximately 32 years. In September, the airline disclosed that the average age of its 757-200 aircraft was 26.1 years, while that of its 757-300 planes was 20.6 years.

Just earlier this month, an Alaska Boeing 737 Max 9 jetliner experienced a door plug blow-off at an altitude of 16,000 feet (4,900 meters) above Oregon, causing a significant hole in the plane's side. Subsequent inspections by Alaska Airlines and United revealed loose bolts and other issues in the panel doors of several other Max 9s.

Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun visited Washington, D.C., on Wednesday to discuss the safety concerns surrounding the Max 9 with lawmakers amid investigations substantial criticism of Boeing both within and outside the air travel industry.

(With inputs from agencies)