Another aircraft has suffered a tire failure at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, marking the fourth such incident reported at the airport in roughly two weeks.
American Airlines Flight 3280 was taxiing for departure to Charlotte, North Carolina, at about 1:35 p.m. Wednesday when two of the aircraft’s tires blew.
The problem was first spotted by the crew of another aircraft behind Flight 3280. The pilots noticed that the American jet appeared to be “losing tread” and alerted Air Traffic Control. Controllers then notified the American Airlines crew, who stopped the aircraft.
Passengers safely deplaned using stairs and were taken by bus back to the terminal. American Airlines said the passengers would depart on a replacement aircraft. No injuries were reported.
What makes the incident particularly notable is that it is the fourth tire-related event at O’Hare in about two weeks.
Last Monday, a United Airlines aircraft and another American Airlines aircraft both suffered blown tires while landing at O’Hare, with the incidents occurring only about three hours apart.
The previous week, a United Airlines flight bound for Phoenix had to abort its takeoff after blowing a tire while taxiing for departure.
The repeated incidents have prompted the Federal Aviation Administration to investigate each case.
American Airlines said Flight 3280 experienced a “tire issue” shortly after pushing back from the gate and apologized to passengers for the disruption.
While tire failures can occur during normal aircraft operations, four incidents at the same major airport within such a short period have drawn attention. Investigators will now examine the individual aircraft, tires, runway and taxiway conditions, maintenance records and other possible factors to determine whether the incidents are connected or simply coincidental.
The FAA is continuing its investigations, while officials have not indicated that the incidents are linked.
