Tire Falls Off Plane Departing From SFO, Makes Emergency Landing In LA

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — A United Airlines flight that lost a tire during takeoff at San Francisco Airport landed safely at Los Angeles International Airport Thursday afternoon.

The plane was originally destined for Japan but needed to make an emergency landing after the wheel fell away from the Boeing 777-200. According to multiple media reports, some cars were damaged by the falling tire, including one parked car whose rear window was shattered.

The airline issued a statement to confirm the loss of the tire, and said arrangements were made for all 235 passengers aboard the flight to continue their trip. According to United, the passengers will depart again from LAX at 6:30 p.m. Thursday.

"The 777-200 has six tires on each of its two main landing gear struts," United said in a statement. "The aircraft is designed to land safely with missing or damaged tires."

Los Angeles Fire Department crews were at LAX on standby while the plane approached the airfield, officials said. The runway was closed to other air traffic for a short time so it could be cleared of any debris.

City News Service contributed to this report.