A British Airways long-haul flight made headlines after one of its landing gear wheels fell off during takeoff from Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas. Flight BA274, an Airbus A350-1000, was heading to London Heathrow on the evening of January 26, 2026. As the plane climbed and retracted its gear, the right rear main landing gear wheel detached and dropped near the airport. Footage of the incident went viral, showing sparks near the landing gear and the wheel falling away shortly after takeoff. Many shared the dramatic video online, surprised to see such a rare event. Despite losing the wheel, the aircraft safely continued its 9-hour 17-minute flight and landed at Heathrow without any injuries or damage. Experts explain that planes like the Airbus A350 have multiple wheels and safety systems that allow safe operation even if one wheel is lost. British Airways said, "Safety is our top priority," and is working with the FAA to investigate the cause. The plane was taken out of service for inspection in London. Authorities will check for mechanical failure, maintenance errors, or defects. Losing a wheel during takeoff is very unusual but not impossible. Factors like faulty parts or stress during gear retraction may cause wheel detachment. The successful landing proves the strength of aircraft design and strict aviation safety rules. The lost wheel was recovered from the airfield in Las Vegas. Passengers on board likely did not notice the problem. This event highlights how pilots, engineers, and controllers handle unexpected issues calmly and safely. Aviation officials will review the case to avoid future incidents.