Emergency Evacuation Slide Crashes Into Backyard After Falling From Plane

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating after a plane’s emergency evacuation slide fell off during a United Airlines flight and landed in the backyard of a home near the Chicago O’Hare International Airport on Monday.

When reached for comment by Complex on Tuesday, an FAA spokesperson confirmed that an investigation had been launched in connection with the incident, which took place on a flight originating from Switzerland.

“Maintenance workers at Chicago O'Hare International Airport discovered an emergency evacuation slide was missing from a United Airlines Boeing 767 (UAL Flight 12) that had just landed safely after a flight from Switzerland,” the FAA spokesperson told Complex. “The slide was located in a nearby neighborhood. The FAA is investigating.”

Speaking with regional outlet WLS-TV, Patrick Devitt—the owner of the residence where the slide ultimately landed—described the object as “larger than a small car.” While Devitt wasn't home at the time of the slide's arrival, his son and father-in-law were both inside enjoying an otherwise typical lunch when they heard a loud sound come from outside.

During its crash landing, the slide struck a portion of the house before coming to rest in the backyard. Thankfully, no one was hurt.

"We immediately contacted the FAA and are working with our team to better understand the circumstances around this matter," a United Airlines spokesperson told Complex on Tuesday.

Complex has confirmed that the flight, which took off from Zurich, made a safe landing in Chicago. The plane in question was a Boeing 767-300 with 155 customers and 10 crew members on board.