Date: 11th December 2024
Location: Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), California, USA
Aircraft: Boeing 737-700, registration N7831B
Operator: Southwest Airlines
Flight Number: WN-1011
Route: Phoenix, AZ (USA) to Los Angeles, CA (USA)
Occupants: Undisclosed
Injuries: None reported
Damage: Tyre burst and undercarriage damage
Summary of Events
On 11th December 2024, Southwest Airlines flight WN-1011 from Phoenix to Los Angeles experienced a tyre burst upon landing on runway 25L at Los Angeles International Airport. The aircraft decelerated safely and taxied to the apron without further incident.
Subsequent inspection revealed debris from the burst tyre had caused damage to the undercarriage. No injuries were reported among passengers or crew.
The aircraft remains grounded at Los Angeles International Airport as of 47 hours post-landing, pending maintenance and repair.
Initial Findings
1. Tyre Failure:
• The main landing gear tyre burst during the landing roll.
• Debris from the tyre caused additional damage to the undercarriage components.
2. Aircraft Response:
• The aircraft maintained directional control during the landing roll.
• No emergency evacuation was necessary, and the aircraft taxied to the apron under its own power.
3. FAA Involvement:
• The FAA reported the occurrence and noted the debris-related damage.
Safety Risks
1. Potential for Runway Contamination:
• Tyre debris could pose a hazard to other aircraft using the same runway.
2. Undercarriage Damage:
• Secondary damage from tyre debris could compromise the aircraft’s structural integrity or systems.
3. Passenger and Crew Safety:
• Tyre failures at high speed during landing could lead to loss of control, posing risks to occupants.
Recommendations
1. Tyre Maintenance and Monitoring:
• Perform thorough inspections of landing gear tyres to identify wear patterns or potential failure points.
2. Runway Inspections:
• Conduct immediate runway inspections following incidents involving tyre bursts to remove debris.
3. Crew Training:
• Reinforce training on handling tyre failures during critical phases of flight, including landing and rollout.
4. Investigative Follow-Up:
• Review the maintenance history of the aircraft to identify any contributing factors, such as manufacturing defects or operational wear.
Safety Lessons
This incident highlights the importance of rigorous maintenance and monitoring of landing gear components to mitigate the risk of tyre failures during landing. Prompt runway inspections and robust crew training are critical to ensuring passenger safety and maintaining operational continuity.
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Our investigation reports are based on all the evidence and facts we have at the time of writing and posting. We apologise if any details are missed or are not fully accurate.
