An American Airlines (AA) Boeing 737 experienced a critical tire separation moments after departing from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) on Wednesday (December 4, 2024), prompting an immediate return to the airport.
The aircraft registered as N965NN and en route to Reno (RNO), Nevada, encountered a significant mechanical issue during its initial ascent.
The incident unfolded rapidly after the aircraft took off from runway 25R. Air traffic control initiated a runway inspection after receiving a query about potential foreign objects, which revealed tire debris on the runway.
A ground observer confirmed the tire separation during the aircraft’s departure, providing crucial real-time information to the flight crew, The Aviation Herald reported.
Responding professionally to the mechanical challenge, the flight crew decided to halt the climb at 24,000 feet and return to Phoenix.
The pilots navigated the aircraft back to the airport, landing safely on runway 26 approximately 35 minutes after the initial takeoff.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing (ASIAS) report that
American Airlines Flight 1037 safely returned to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport around 4 p.m. local time on Wednesday, Dec. 4, after the crew reported a tire issue shortly after taking off. The Boeing 737 had departed for Reno Tahoe International Airport in Nevada.
FAA Statement
Recently on November 14, 2024, Alaska Airlines (AS) Boeing 737-900ER experienced a significant mechanical incident during takeoff from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), losing a tire moments after departure.
The aircraft registered as N461AS and operating Flight AS309, carried 175 passengers and six crew members en route to Los Angeles International Airport.
The incident occurred at 5:57 PM local time when the flight crew and passengers experienced a sudden, pronounced jolt immediately after takeoff.
The impact was severe enough to cause overhead bins to open and trigger an emergency oxygen mask deployment. Passengers reported hearing a loud pop and feeling substantial aircraft vibration during the initial climb.
Ground officials at Dulles International Airport conducted an immediate runway inspection after the crew’s request, confirming the presence of tire debris on the runway.
Despite the mechanical complication, the landing gear retracted normally, and the flight crew strategically decided to continue the journey to Los Angeles.
During radio communications, a crew member confirmed their intent to proceed with the flight, stating, “There’s no reason we can see to discontinue the flight at this point. Just press on to Los Angeles and take care of it there.”
Similarly, A United Airlines Boeing 757-200, operating Flight UA1001 from Los Angeles (LAX) to Denver (DEN), successfully executed an emergency landing after losing a tire during the initial departure phase.
The aircraft, registered as N14107 and powered by Rolls-Royce engines, carried 174 passengers and seven crew members during the incident.
A passenger aboard the flight provided a detailed account of the emergency, describing the pilot’s immediate communication about a potential tire loss during takeoff. The flight crew implemented comprehensive emergency protocols, guiding passengers through brace procedures and preparing for a potentially challenging landing.
Upon arrival at Denver International Airport, the aircraft was met by fire trucks on the taxiway. Maintenance personnel confirmed the loss of one main landing gear wheel and identified an adjacent flat tire. The landing, while not described as smooth, was successfully completed without injury or significant incident.
United flight UA1001 was operated by Boeing 757-200 registered as N14107. Further, it is 29.8 years old and is powered by Rolls-Royce engines.
