en.Wedoany.com Reported - A United Airlines Boeing 737 encountered an unusual scene before takeoff at Cancun International Airport (CUN): a large swarm of bees gathered under the wing. The captain chose to accelerate for takeoff, using the airflow from the taxi run to disperse the swarm. The process was filmed and widely shared on social media.
The incident occurred on Thursday, involving United Airlines Flight 1275 from Cancun to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Hundreds of bees clustered under the wing of the aircraft. During radio communications, the pilot stated it was the first time he had encountered bees on a wing. Unlike the usual practice of waiting for a beekeeper to relocate the insects, the pilot opted to take off with the bees. As the plane accelerated down the runway, the swarm quickly scattered in the airflow. United Airlines later confirmed in a statement that the flight experienced a brief delay and ultimately departed safely.
While bee swarms on the exterior of commercial aircraft are rare, the aviation industry is no stranger to the potential threats posed by insects. Historically, insects have caused serious accidents. The most notable case is Birgenair Flight 301 in February 1996, a Boeing 757 that crashed shortly after takeoff from Puerto Plata Airport (POP) in the Dominican Republic, killing all 189 people on board. The investigation determined that one of the pitot tubes had been blocked by a mud dauber wasp nest while the aircraft was on the ground, leading to erroneous airspeed indications and triggering a catastrophic chain of events.
Similar threats have emerged in recent years. In 2018, a Virgin Australia Boeing 737 departing from Brisbane Airport (BNE) experienced unreliable airspeed indications after takeoff, prompting the crew to declare a Mayday and perform an overweight landing. The investigation confirmed that the captain's pitot tube was nearly completely blocked by insect nest residue. Additionally, in 2023, Delta Air Lines Flight 1682 from Houston to Atlanta was delayed for approximately three hours due to bees attaching to the winglet.
To mitigate risks posed by insects, airports and airlines are incorporating insects into wildlife hazard management plans. Maintenance crews regularly inspect pitot tubes, static ports, drains, and vents, and aircraft in high-risk environments are often equipped with protective covers. When bee swarms appear near aircraft or terminals, airports collaborate with pest control experts or local beekeepers for removal. The experience of the United Airlines 737 in Cancun has sparked widespread discussion online, but it also serves as a reminder to the aviation industry that even tiny insects can pose a safety hazard that cannot be overlooked.
This article is compiled by Wedoany. All AI citations must indicate the source as "Wedoany". If there is any infringement or other issues, please notify us promptly, and we will modify or delete it accordingly. Email: news@wedoany.com
