An American Airlines flight departing from Tampa International Airport narrowly avoided disaster when one of its tyres exploded on the runway seconds before takeoff. The incident occurred on Wednesday, July 10, involving Flight 590 bound for Phoenix.
The Incident
A dramatic video captures the frightening moment the plane, while taxiing, experienced a burst tyre on the right side, leading to fire sparks and a trail of smoke. The aircraft had to be halted at the end of the runway, and emergency vehicles quickly responded to the scene.
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Passenger Evacuation
According to American Airlines spokesperson Alfredo Garduno, passengers and crew were safely evacuated, and the plane was returned to the terminal. Thankfully, no injuries were reported. The airline stated that Flight 590 “experienced a mechanical issue on the runway prior to taking off” and expressed apologies for any inconvenience caused. Passengers were accommodated on a replacement flight.
FAA Investigation
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the flight aborted its takeoff around 7:50 a.m. local time due to multiple blown tyres. Passengers deplaned on the taxiway and were transported to the terminal. The FAA has launched an investigation into the incident, emphasizing that further details should be obtained from the airline.
Public Reaction
The video of the incident sparked reactions from shocked viewers. “It could have been really disastrous if that had happened when it reached the destination and landed,” said one user. “Probably fortunate it happened before becoming airborne.” Another user praised the pilot’s quick actions, stating, “Good work by the pilot. Had the runway been significantly shorter, I doubt he would have had time to stop.”
Some users expressed concerns about flying, with one stating, “My flying days are done for a long while. This is becoming so commonplace that nobody bats an eye anymore.” Another user commended the pilot, saying, “Huge shoutout to the pilot for his quick thinking. Only capable people should ever be airline pilots.”
Others criticized the situation, attributing it to potential failures in ground crew procedures and questioning hiring practices, with one user remarking, “This is a failure of the ground crews, as well as pilots blindly trusting the paperwork/reports they receive.”
This incident underscores the importance of stringent safety checks and the critical role of quick decision-making by airline personnel. The aviation community awaits the findings of the FAA investigation to ensure such incidents are prevented in the future.