Two commercial jets from separate airlines blew tires while landing at Chicago O’Hare Monday, prompting a Federal Aviation Administration investigation.
The first incident involved American Airlines Flight 386, which was traveling from New York’s LaGuardia Airport to Chicago. The Boeing 737-800 landed safely at O’Hare at about 2 p.m. despite two tires bursting during landing, according to the FAA, ABC7 Chicago reports.
“Per procedure, first responders met the aircraft out of an abundance of caution and customers were transported safely to the terminal by bus. The aircraft has been taken out of service to be inspected by our maintenance team,” an American spokesperson told The Independent in a statement.
“We thank our team members for their professionalism and we apologize to our customers for their experience,” they added.
Several hours later, United Airlines Flight 739, which had flown to Chicago from Omaha, Nebraska, had a tire issue on its Airbus A320.
Passengers were evacuated from the United jet using stairs, according to ABC7 Chicago.
The FAA is investigating both incidents, though authorities have not indicated that the tire failures were connected. The Independent has contacted Chicago O'Hare, United and the FAA for comment.
The incidents come after separate tire-related problems involving aircraft at Chicago airports earlier this month. Just days before Monday’s incidents, a United flight bound for Phoenix, Arizona, aborted its takeoff at O’Hare after a tire blew out. The aircraft came to a safe stop, and passengers were removed from the plane.
On August 3 at Chicago Midway International Airport, a Southwest Airlines aircraft also experienced tire trouble. Flight 1243 from Fort Myers lost pressure in both nose gear tires while landing. Southwest mechanics replaced the tires and towed the plane to the gate.
No injuries were reported in any of the incidents.
