Introduction
On 18 March 2025, an Aegean Airlines Airbus A320-200neo, registration SX-NEQ, operating flight A3-806 from Athens International Airport (LGAV) to Munich Airport (EDDM), experienced suspected tyre damage upon departure from Athens’ runway 03L. The flight crew continued the scheduled service, climbing initially to FL360, later to FL380, before alerting air traffic control on descent into Munich of a possible burst tyre. Upon landing on runway 08R, the aircraft vacated and came to a stop surrounded by airport emergency services. Visual inspection confirmed tyre damage and additional harm to the flap system and engine cowling.
Flight & Aircraft Information
• Aircraft Type: Airbus A320-251N (A320neo)
• Operator: Aegean Airlines
• Aircraft Registration: SX-NEQ
• Engines: 2 × CFM International LEAP-1A
• Flight Number: A3-806
• Date of Occurrence: 18 March 2025
• Departure Airport: Athens International Airport (LGAV), Greece
• Arrival Airport: Munich Airport (EDDM), Germany
• Occupants: 171 (164 passengers, 7 crew)
• Injuries: None reported
• Damage: Tyre rupture, suspected flap and engine cowling damage
• Runway Used for Departure: RWY 03L
• Runway Used for Landing: RWY 08R
• Weather: Visual Meteorological Conditions (VMC)
Sequence of Events
1. Take-Off from Athens (LGAV)
• SX-NEQ departed from runway 03L at Athens under normal conditions.
• A passenger seated over the wing observed possible irregularities with the left main landing gear tyre during take-off roll.
• The flight crew received no immediate warnings and the aircraft proceeded to climb towards cruising altitude.
2. Cruise & Monitoring
• The aircraft climbed initially to FL360 and then later to FL380 enroute to Munich.
• Cabin crew were advised of a potential issue with a tyre based on passenger feedback and initiated a technical report to the flight deck.
• No abnormal system alerts or gear malfunctions were indicated on cockpit displays.
3. Descent & Precautionary Measures
• As the aircraft descended toward Munich, the flight crew notified ATC of the suspected tyre burst and requested emergency services to be on standby.
• The crew completed appropriate QRH (Quick Reference Handbook) procedures for a landing with potential gear/tire failure.
• An uneventful approach was made to runway 08R, and the aircraft landed without incident.
4. Post-Landing Response
• Upon touchdown, the aircraft vacated the runway, stopping clear of taxiways to allow inspection.
• Emergency response vehicles surrounded the aircraft as a precaution.
• No fire or smoke was detected; however, visual inspection confirmed the tyre damage and suspected flap and nacelle impact damage, possibly caused by debris from the failed tyre.
Technical Findings (Preliminary)
• Tyre Damage:
• The left main gear inboard tyre is believed to have ruptured during the take-off roll at Athens.
• Resulting debris appears to have caused secondary damage to:
• Wing flaps (scoring/surface damage observed)
• Lower engine cowling on the left engine
• Flap System & Engine Cowling:
• The extent of damage to the flap mechanism is under detailed structural assessment.
• The engine nacelle shows impact markings, with composite delamination suspected on lower panels.
• No flight control system faults or gear warnings were recorded during flight.
• FDR and CVR data have been preserved for analysis.
Aircraft Recovery & Operational Disruption
• The occurrence aircraft, SX-NEQ, remained on the ground at Munich Airport for over 91 hours following the incident for inspection and repair.
• A replacement A320neo (SX-NEK) was ferried from Athens to Munich to perform the return leg (A3-807) to Greece.
• Return flight A3-807 departed with a delay of approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes.
Passenger & Crew Safety
• No injuries were reported among passengers or crew.
• Disembarkation at Munich proceeded normally via passenger boarding stairs, with no evacuation necessary.
• Passengers were informed of the event and assured of their safety through announcements and debriefing.
Weather Conditions
METAR EDDM (Munich Airport) at Time of Landing (Approx 18:30Z):EDDM 181820Z 24006KT 9999 FEW020 BKN045 10/05 Q1017 NOSIG
• Wind: 240° at 6 knots
• Visibility: 10 km or more
• Clouds: Few clouds at 2,000 ft; broken at 4,500 ft
• Temperature/Dew Point: 10°C / 5°C
• Pressure: QNH 1017 hPa
• No significant weather reported
Ongoing Investigation
Aegean Airlines’ maintenance and engineering teams, in coordination with local aviation authorities, have commenced a formal investigation into:
1. Root cause of the tyre failure
2. Damage assessment and debris path tracing
3. Inspection protocols prior to departure
4. Structural and flight control integrity review
Conclusion
On 18 March 2025, Aegean Airlines flight A3-806 experienced tyre failure on departure from Athens, later confirmed during post-flight inspections after landing in Munich. Despite no cockpit warnings or handling abnormalities, the crew prudently alerted ATC and prepared for a precautionary landing. Emergency services responded swiftly. Minor damage was observed to airframe components possibly caused by tyre debris. There were no injuries, and the aircraft was taken out of service for repair and inspection.
Disclaimer
This report is based on publicly available information as of 22 March 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the investigation is ongoing, and findings may evolve. If you are the rightful owner of any referenced material and wish for it to be removed, please contact takedown@cockpitking.com.
