In addition to flying the plane, airline pilots are also responsible for the safety of all passengers and crew members, including handling any potential accidents such as tire blowouts. Just like cars, airplanes can experience tire blowouts, which can even result in injuries or fatalities. So, how do pilots deal with such incidents?
According to aviation news website “Simple Flying,” a Japan Airlines Boeing 737-800 aircraft experienced a tire blowout incident on December 1st. The plane was landing at Kagoshima Airport at the time of the incident.
When the plane’s landing gear touched the runway, one of its tires burst. This may have been caused by the accumulation of heat or intensified force during landing exacerbating existing wear and tear.
Despite the sudden tire blowout, the aircraft’s crew maintained full control of the plane, ensuring a safe deceleration and taxiing to a secure area for inspection.
The passengers on board the aircraft were not affected and all safely disembarked. This demonstrates the well-trained and composed response of the crew in unexpected situations.
The design of aircraft tires is crucial for withstanding the immense pressures during takeoff, landing, and taxiing processes. These specialized tires must endure sudden and extreme temperature changes, support the full weight of the aircraft, and cope with speeds exceeding 200 miles per hour during operation.
Although aircraft tires are structurally robust and require rigorous maintenance, tire blowouts and other tire-related incidents can still occur, posing serious challenges for pilots and ground personnel, such as affecting aircraft maneuverability, causing chain mechanical issues, or even more severe accidents.
Aircraft tires must endure extreme conditions, including rapid temperature changes (from around minus 50 degrees Celsius at high-altitude cruising to several hundred degrees Celsius during landing) and significant shear forces. Improper tire inflation can exacerbate these stresses, leading to issues like shoulder separation. Foreign object debris on runways is another common cause of tire damage and blowouts.
To reduce the likelihood of tire blowouts, aircraft tire design incorporates the following key points:
– High inflation pressure: Aircraft tires are typically inflated to around 200 pounds per square inch (psi), significantly higher than car tires. This high pressure enhances their load-bearing capacity and durability.
– Nitrogen filling: Aircraft tires are filled with nitrogen instead of air to reduce the risk of fire during blowouts. This is because nitrogen is less reactive than oxygen, reducing the chances of combustion.
– Robust structure: Modern aircraft tire designs can withstand the immense pressures and temperatures experienced during operation, with materials and designs enhancing their elasticity.
Additionally, airline ground personnel conduct regular inspections and maintenance on aircraft tires, eliminating possibilities of debris causing damage and subsequently reducing the likelihood of tire blowout accidents.
In the event of a tire blowout during takeoff or landing, pilots must adhere to established protocols, control the aircraft, and ensure passenger safety.
– During takeoff: If a blowout occurs while the aircraft is moving at low speeds, pilots typically abort the takeoff procedure to assess the situation and prevent further losses. If the blowout happens at high speeds, pilots usually continue the takeoff at a higher speed, circle in the air, and return to the original airport for inspection.
– During landing: If a blowout occurs during landing, pilots focus on maintaining directional control and safely decelerating. Subsequently, they taxy the aircraft to a designated area for inspection and necessary repairs.
In any circumstance, pilots coordinate with air traffic controllers in the tower and airline ground personnel to effectively manage such incidents, ensuring minimal disruptions and maintaining safety.