This article summarizes reporting by Fox 35 Orlando and Camille Sarabia.

United Airlines Flight UA2323 Disabled After Hard Landing at Orlando International Airport

A United Airlines flight arriving from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) was disabled on the runway at Orlando International Airport (MCO) on Sunday, January 18, 2026, following a hard landing incident. According to reporting by Fox 35 Orlando, the aircraft was immobilized on the runway, prompting a response from emergency crews and airport officials.

The incident involved United Airlines Flight 2323 (UA2323), which landed at approximately 12:30 PM EST. Verified reports indicate that the aircraft, an Airbus A321neo, experienced a mechanical failure involving the nose gear immediately after touching down during adverse weather conditions. While the event caused significant operational disruptions at the Airport, officials confirmed that there were no injuries among the 206 passengers and crew on board.

Incident Details and Sequence of Events

Flight UA2323 approached Orlando International Airport amid stormy weather, with meteorological data citing wind gusts reaching up to 54 mph. Video footage circulated by aviation sources depicts the aircraft making a forceful touchdown on Runway 36L. Following the initial impact, the aircraft appeared to bounce, placing substantial stress on the nose gear.

During the rollout, one of the nose wheels detached from the landing gear assembly. The pilot successfully brought the aircraft to a stop, but the mechanical failure left the plane disabled and unable to taxi. This blockage of Runway 36L necessitated an immediate ground stop at MCO, leading to arrival and departure delays throughout the afternoon.

Passenger Evacuation and Airline Response

Passengers remained on board the aircraft on the runway until ground crews could secure the scene. According to confirmed details, travelers were eventually deplaned directly onto the tarmac and transported to the terminal via buses. United Airlines addressed the situation in a statement regarding the mechanical failure.

“United flight 2323 from Chicago to Orlando experienced a mechanical issue upon landing. Passengers are being bused to the terminal and our team is working to remove the aircraft from the runway. No injuries have been reported.”

— United Airlines Official Statement

Investigation and Aircraft Data

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the incident to determine the precise cause of the hard landing and subsequent gear failure. Investigators will likely focus on the correlation between the reported 54 mph wind gusts and the landing mechanics.

The aircraft involved is identified as N14502, a relatively new Airbus A321neo, approximately two years old. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) typically reviews incidents involving gear detachment or structural failure to assess potential systemic issues or maintenance factors.

AirPro News Analysis

Context on Gear Failures: While “hard landings” occur occasionally in commercial aviation, particularly during gusty crosswind conditions, the complete detachment of a nose wheel is a high-severity event. Modern landing gear, such as that on the Airbus A321neo, is designed to withstand significant load factors. The separation of the wheel suggests forces that exceeded standard design tolerances or a pre-existing mechanical vulnerability exacerbated by the impact.

Operational Disruption: Runway excursions or disablements at major hubs like Orlando International Airport create a ripple effect. With Runway 36L blocked, air traffic control would have had to re-sequence arrivals to parallel runways, reducing the airport’s acceptance rate (AAR) and causing the delays noted in Sunday’s reports.

Frequently Asked Questions

What flight number was involved in the Orlando incident?

The incident involved United Airlines Flight UA2323. Early speculation may have confused this with other flights, but confirmed reports identify UA2323 as the affected aircraft.

Were there any injuries?

No. There were no reported injuries among the 200 passengers and 6 crew members.

What caused the wheel to fall off?

The aircraft suffered a “hard landing” during high winds (gusts up to 54 mph), which reportedly caused the nose wheel to shear off. The FAA is investigating the specific mechanics of the failure.

What type of aircraft was it?

The flight was operated by an Airbus A321neo, registration N14502.

Sources

• Fox 35 Orlando