A routine flight came close to ending in tragedy in the United States. American Airlines flight AA 590, scheduled to depart from Tampa, Florida, at 7:30 a.m. local time for Phoenix, Arizona, over 3,000 kilometers to the west, was canceled following its tires burst and caught fire on the runway. Despite the incident, no injuries were reported.
This incident occurred three days following US courts ordered the airline to compensate the families of 346 victims who died in 2018 and 2019 during flights on 737 MAX aircraft.
A video filmed near Tampa International Airport shows the sequence: the American Airlines Boeing 737 gains momentum and accelerates, but its tires soon become engulfed in smoke, prompting the plane to stop at the end of the runway. The entire event unfolded in just one minute. According to reports, one tire caught fire, spreading to other parts of the landing gear, while several other tires exploded.
The 174 passengers and the six-member crew had to be evacuated from the plane, and no one was injured. According to local media TampaHoy, Sheri Blankenship, a passenger, described the experience: “We boarded the plane without issues and prepared to taxi down the runway. The plane began to travel at full power, and suddenly, it felt like we were on a road full of potholes. Then, at the end, it felt as if the plane had hit a big bump in the road.”
According to Blankenship, parts of the plane were on fire when the passengers were evacuated. It took nearly three hours for the passengers to return to the terminal by bus so they might board another flight.
Video
The incident occurred at Tampa, Florida, airport, while the plane was preparing to take off for Phoenix, Arizona. The crew and passengers had to be evacuated immediately.
On Thursday followingnoon, American Airlines released an official statement regarding the problems with Flight AA 590: “American Airlines Flight 590 from Tampa (TPA) to Phoenix (PHX) experienced a mechanical problem on the runway prior to takeoff. Passengers disembarked safely and were transferred by bus to the terminal. We never want to disrupt our customers’ travel plans and we apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.”
The airline offered to reschedule the flight for the passengers. The Federal Aviation Administration of the United States is investigating the incident.
American Airlines Flight AA 590 Makes Emergency Stop After Tire Fire
A routine trip on American Airlines flight AA 590 came close to ending in tragedy on a recent morning in Tampa, Florida. The flight, scheduled to depart for Phoenix, Arizona, at 7:30 a.m. local time, was forced to cancel following its tires burst and caught fire on the runway. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported.
A Tire Fire on the Runway
The incident, which occurred just three days following the US courts ordered American Airlines to compensate the families of 346 victims who died in 2018 and 2019 during flights on 737 MAX aircraft, unfolded in a dramatic sequence captured on video. The Boeing 737, carrying 174 passengers and a crew of six, gained momentum and accelerated down the runway, but soon smoke billowed from its tires, forcing the aircraft to stop before the end of the runway.
According to reports, one of the tires caught fire, which then spread to other parts of the landing gear, while other tires exploded. The entire incident took place in just one minute.
Evacuation and Delays
The passengers and crew were swiftly evacuated from the plane, with no reported injuries. Sheri Blankenship, a passenger on the flight, described the experience, stating, “We boarded the plane without problems, we prepared to taxi down the runway and the plane began to travel down the runway at full power. Suddenly, we felt as if we were on a road full of potholes, until at the end, it seemed as if the plane had hit a big bump.” She also noted that parts of the plane were on fire when they were evacuated.
The passengers were returned to the terminal by bus three hours later, where they boarded another flight to Phoenix.
American Airlines Statement
American Airlines released an official statement addressing the incident, stating, “American Airlines Flight 590 from Tampa (TPA) to Phoenix (PHX) experienced a mechanical problem on the runway prior to takeoff. Passengers disembarked safely and were transferred by bus to the terminal. We never want to disrupt our customers’ travel plans and we apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.”
The airline offered to reschedule the flight for the affected passengers. The Federal Aviation Administration of the United States is currently investigating the incident.
Impact on Passengers
The incident caused significant disruption for the passengers on Flight AA 590. They faced unexpected delays and inconvenience, having to return to the terminal by bus and wait for a new flight. While there were no physical injuries, the experience undoubtedly caused anxiety and stress for those on board.
Safety Concerns
The incident raises concerns regarding aircraft safety and maintenance. While the cause of the tire fire is still under investigation, it highlights the importance of regular inspections and maintenance to ensure the safe operation of aircraft.
Tire Failure: A Rare But Potentially Serious Issue
Tire failures are relatively rare occurrences in commercial aviation. However, they can have serious consequences, leading to delayed flights, potential damage to the aircraft, and even injuries.
Several factors can contribute to tire failures, including:
- Overinflation or underinflation: Incorrect tire pressure can lead to uneven wear and tear or a blowout.
- Excessive weight: Overloading an aircraft can put undue stress on the tires.
- Damage from debris: Foreign objects on the runway, like nails or metal fragments, can puncture tires.
- Tire age: Tires have a limited lifespan and can become brittle or worn over time.
- Manufacturing defects: Faulty tires can fail even under normal conditions.
Safety Measures
To mitigate the risk of tire failures, airlines and aviation authorities have implemented several safety measures, including:
- Strict tire inspection and maintenance schedules.
- Runway inspections for debris.
- Use of high-quality, durable tires.
- Training pilots to handle tire failures.
- Implementation of redundancy systems, such as backup braking systems.
Conclusion
While tire failures are relatively rare, they can have significant consequences. The incident involving Flight AA 590 serves as a reminder of the importance of safety measures in aviation. Thorough inspection and maintenance, along with the adherence to safety protocols, are crucial for ensuring safe air travel.