Aircraft tires are among the most critical components of any airplane, designed to endure immense stresses during takeoff, landing, and taxiing.
These specialized tires must withstand sudden and extreme temperature changes, support the full weight of an aircraft, and handle speeds exceeding 200 miles per hour during operations.
Despite their robust construction and stringent maintenance requirements, tire-related incidents, such as bursts or blowouts, can still occur, potentially posing serious challenges for pilots and ground crews (not to mention a significant for the airline).
A burst tire is not just an inconvenience; it can affect the handling of the aircraft, lead to cascading mechanical issues, or, in rare cases, cause a more significant accident.
Understanding how pilots manage these high-pressure scenarios is crucial in appreciating the layers of safety and preparedness inherent in modern aviation.
Pilots are trained to respond decisively, using established protocols and procedures to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
But what does that response look like, and how do pilots and ground teams work together to mitigate risks?
This article delves into the mechanics of aircraft tire bursts, examining the unique challenges they present and the strategies pilots use to address them effectively.
We’ll also explore the engineering behind aircraft tires, the preventive maintenance that reduces the likelihood of bursts, and real-life examples, such as the recent Japan Airlines Boeing 737-800 incident, to illustrate the principles in action.
Finally, we will discuss the collaboration between pilots, air traffic control, and ground crews to manage these events safely.
Aircraft tires are subjected to extreme conditions, including rapid temperature fluctuations—from approximately -50°C at cruising altitudes to several hundred degrees Celsius upon landing—and significant shear forces.
Improper tire inflation can exacerbate these stresses, leading to issues like shoulder separation and lower-sidewall compression breaks. Foreign Object Debris (FOD) on runways is another common cause of tire damage and blowouts, according to Hydro. aero.
Pilots adhere to established protocols to maintain control and ensure passenger safety when a tire bursts during takeoff or landing.
During takeoff:
- Low-speed tire burst: If the tire bursts at low speeds, pilots typically abort the takeoff to assess the situation and prevent further damage.
- High-speed tire burst: Pilots may proceed with takeoff at higher speeds, especially near or beyond V1 (the decision speed). They will then circle back to the departure airport to inspect the aircraft for potential damage, as highlighted in Aviationweek.
During landing:
- If a tire bursts upon landing, pilots focus on maintaining directional control and decelerating safely. They will then taxi the aircraft to a designated area for inspection and necessary maintenance.
In all scenarios, pilots coordinate with air traffic control and ground crews to manage the incident effectively, ensuring minimal disruption and maintaining safety.
Aircraft tires are designed with several features to minimize the likelihood and impact of bursts:
- High inflation pressure: Aircraft tires are typically inflated to around 200 psi, significantly higher than automobile tires. According to hydro. aero, this high pressure enhances their load-bearing capacity and durability.
- Nitrogen inflation: Tires are filled with nitrogen instead of air to reduce the fire risk in the event of a burst. Nitrogen is less reactive than oxygen, decreasing the chance of combustion, as Skybrary detailed.
- Robust construction: Modern aircraft tires are built to withstand the immense pressures and temperatures experienced during operations, with materials and designs that enhance their resilience, according to Aviationweek.
Regular maintenance and proper handling are crucial in preventing tire bursts. Key practices include:
- Regular inspections: Routine checks for signs of wear, cuts, or other damage help identify potential issues before they lead to failures.
- Proper inflation: Maintaining correct tire pressure is vital. Both underinflation and overinflation can increase shear forces, accelerating tire wear and increasing the risk of bursts, as noted by hydro. aero.
- Avoiding FOD: Ensuring runways are clear of debris minimizes the risk of tire damage from foreign objects.
- Temperature management: Allowing tires to cool between flights and monitoring brake temperatures can prevent heat-related tire damage, as discussed in usa today.
On December 1, 2024, a Japan Airlines Boeing 737-800 experienced a tire burst upon landing at Kagoshima Airport. As the aircraft made contact with the runway, one of its tires sustained a rupture, possibly due to heat buildup or existing wear and tear exacerbated by landing forces.
Despite the sudden failure, the flight crew maintained complete control of the aircraft, ensuring it decelerated safely and taxied to a secure area for inspection.
Passengers aboard the flight were unaffected and disembarked without incident, a testament to the crew’s training and composure under unexpected circumstances.
Ground crews inspected the damaged tire and identified no secondary structural damage to the aircraft, a crucial aspect of ensuring it could be repaired and returned to service promptly.
This incident highlights the critical importance of pre-flight tire inspections, proper inflation maintenance, and pilots' expertise in mitigating potential risks.
It also serves as a reminder of the robustness of modern aircraft design, which prioritizes redundancy and safety in such scenarios.
While aircraft tire bursts are rare, pilots are trained to handle such incidents with precision, ensuring passenger safety.
The combination of robust tire design, stringent maintenance practices, and effective pilot response strategies plays a crucial role in mitigating the risks associated with tire bursts.
