Discovery of Missing Panel on Boeing 737 Causes Closure of Medford Airport Runways

Earlier today, an inbound United Airlines 737-824, Flight UA433, prompted the full closure of both runways at the Rogue Valley International Medford Airport (MFR). The incident, while causing a temporary disruption, concluded with no reported injuries.

Upon its safe landing, all passengers disembarked at Gate 5 without any complications. However, ground crews observed a missing panel on the Boeing aircraft. Details regarding the specific panel remain undisclosed at this time, but Medford Alert can confirm it was towards the bottom of the aircraft.

Amber Judd, the Director of MFR Airport, informed Medford Alert that the closure was essential as ground crews conducted thorough searches to ensure no debris posed a risk to aircraft operations. Fortunately, their search yielded no findings, and the runways reopened shortly thereafter.

Judd emphasized that the United Airlines crew could not pinpoint the exact location where the panel became detached. Despite the unsettling incident, no injuries were reported among passengers or crew members.

*Courtesy of: @aviatorkaden (Instagram) Kaden H.F*

At present, the aircraft remains parked at the jet bridge at Gate 5 as investigators continue their examination. The damaged aircraft (N26226) is 25-years old (12/22/1998) and was originally a Continental Airlines plane prior to merging with United Airlines in 2011.

As the investigation progresses, further updates will be provided.

Medford Alert reached out to United Airlines and received the following response:

This afternoon United flight 433 landed safely at its scheduled destination at Rogue Valley International/Medford Airport. After the aircraft was parked at the gate, it was discovered to be missing an external panel. We’ll conduct a thorough examination of the plane and perform all the needed repairs before it returns to service. We’ll also conduct an investigation to better understand how this damage occurred. Aircraft did not declare an emergency into MFR, as there was no indication of the damage during flight.

There were 139 passengers and 6 crew members on board.