Tassili Airlines Dash 8-400 Suffers Burst Tyres on Takeoff, Returns Safely to Illizi

Illizi, Algeria – On August 3rd, 2024, a Tassili Airlines de Havilland Dash 8-400, registered 7T-VCL, experienced a critical incident shortly after taking off from Rouhrde Ennous airstrip, located near the gas field of the same name. The aircraft, performing a charter flight carrying workers to Oran, suffered multiple tyre bursts on the right main landing gear during takeoff, forcing the crew to return to Illizi for an emergency landing.

Incident Overview

The Dash 8-400 had just departed Rouhrde Ennous when the crew detected issues with the aircraft’s right main landing gear. Upon takeoff, a number of tyres on the right side burst, and the crew quickly assessed the situation. Despite the challenges posed by the burst tyres, the pilots maintained control of the aircraft and made the decision to return to Illizi, the nearest suitable airport.

The aircraft landed safely back at Illizi, but with both right-hand main tyres deflated, it became disabled on the runway. Thankfully, there were no injuries reported among the passengers and crew, and the aircraft was able to come to a controlled stop.

Damage Assessment

Pictorial evidence provided by a passenger reveals the extent of the damage. The images show the right-hand main tyres shredded, with debris likely causing further damage to the aircraft. Notably, the tip of one of the right-hand propeller blades was damaged, and a passenger window adjacent to the propeller also sustained damage. The visible damage to the propeller and window highlights the potential severity of the incident, emphasizing the importance of the crew’s prompt response in ensuring a safe return.

Airline Response and Safety Implications

Tassili Airlines confirmed the tyre burst incident, noting that the aircraft had been transporting workers from the Rouhrde Ennous gas field to Oran. The airline reported that no further incidents occurred during the flight back to Illizi, and all passengers were safely disembarked following the emergency landing.

This incident underscores the importance of regular maintenance and inspections, particularly for aircraft operating in remote or rugged environments like Rouhrde Ennous. Tyre failures during takeoff pose significant risks, not only due to the immediate danger of loss of control but also because of the potential for secondary damage, such as debris impacting critical components like the propellers or fuselage.

The quick and effective action taken by the flight crew in this instance prevented what could have been a far more serious outcome. Their decision to return to Illizi rather than attempting to continue the flight was prudent and likely a key factor in the safe resolution of the incident.

Conclusion

The August 3rd incident involving Tassili Airlines’ Dash 8-400 serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by aircraft operating in remote locations. While the crew successfully managed the situation, the damage to the aircraft highlights the potential dangers associated with tyre failures during takeoff.

As the aircraft remains on the ground for further inspection and repairs, Tassili Airlines will likely review their maintenance protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future. The aviation community will be closely monitoring the outcomes of this incident to ensure that lessons are learned and applied to enhance the safety of operations in similar environments.