A scary incident unfolded at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Tuesday evening when all eight tires of a LATAM Airlines Boeing 767 burst during landing. The plane, arriving from Lima, Peru, touched down around 7:30 p.m. when the failure occurred. Eyewitness accounts describe a jarring experience. One passenger reported it felt like the wheels were “rattling on the tarmac.” Fortunately, none of the 221 individuals on board suffered injuries, but they faced a delay, stranded on the tarmac for two hours before disembarking.
Retired Delta Captain Paul Carr noted the rarity of such a situation, stating, “That’s very odd for all eight tires to blow on a landing.” Carr speculated that a malfunction in the brake system likely caused the mishap: “More than likely, the brake system logic… malfunctioned, and it locked up all the brakes and just caused them to blow.” These insights raise questions about the underlying issues contributing to the tire failure.
The incident has drawn the attention of the Federal Aviation Administration, which is now investigating. Understanding how both weight and weather conditions could impact tire performance is crucial. Georgia Tech professor and aviation expert Laurie Garrow highlighted this connection, likening it to everyday driving: “Think about your own car. When do you see the tires on your car get under pressure? If you have a lot of things in the trunk that are weighing it down, you can put extra pressure on the tires.”
Garrow pointed out that temperature fluctuations can also affect tire pressure. “As we move from cold to warm weather or vice versa, the pressure changes,” she explained. Aging tires could further complicate the equation. Referring to the likelihood of a tire blowout, she described the event as “an anomaly,” asserting, “The odds of one tire blowing out in an aircraft I think is around one in 100,000.” While it’s hard to label the passengers as “lucky,” the rarity of such incidents certainly raises eyebrows.
Investigators will likely examine various factors to determine the cause of the tire blowouts. Garrow emphasized the importance of assessing the weight conditions of the aircraft. This includes checking if more fuel was on board than originally calculated, which could have further stressed the tires. As they delve deeper into the investigation, it will be essential to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The industry will look closely at this case as it strives to uphold safety standards.
The combination of the loud noise upon landing and the apparent impact it had on the aircraft’s interior—bathroom doors breaking, panels cracking, and insulation coming loose—can undoubtedly create a frightening atmosphere for passengers. Thankfully, quick action ensured that everyone on board remained unharmed. For those monitoring aviation safety, this incident serves as a potential teaching moment about the numerous variables that contribute to aviation incidents.
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