Date: 30th November 2024
Location: Kagoshima Airport, Japan
Aircraft: Boeing 737-800, registration JA336J
Operator: Japan Airlines (JAL)
Flight Number: JL-647
Route: Tokyo Haneda to Kagoshima, Japan
Occupants: 150 (Passengers and Crew)
Injuries: None reported
Summary of Events
On 30th November 2024, Japan Airlines flight JL-647, a Boeing 737-800 operating from Tokyo Haneda to Kagoshima, experienced a tyre burst upon landing on Kagoshima Airport’s Runway 34. Despite the burst tyre, the aircraft rolled out safely, taxied to the apron without further complications, and all passengers disembarked without incident.
Japan’s Ministry of Transport confirmed the puncture of one of the right-hand main landing gear tyres upon landing.
The aircraft was grounded for approximately 20 hours for inspection and maintenance before returning to service.
Aircraft Information
The Boeing 737-800 is a narrow-body twin-engine jet designed for short- to medium-haul flights. Equipped with a robust landing gear system, it is capable of handling adverse landing conditions with safety redundancies in place.
Sequence of Events
1. Landing Phase:
• The aircraft was on final approach to Kagoshima’s Runway 34 in normal weather conditions.
• Upon touchdown, one of the right-hand main tyres burst.
2. Rollout and Taxi:
• The aircraft remained stable during rollout and taxied to the apron without further issues.
3. Post-Landing Inspection:
• Maintenance crews inspected the right-hand landing gear and confirmed a punctured tyre.
Initial Findings
Potential Causes of Tyre Damage
1. FOD (Foreign Object Debris):
• Debris on the runway could have caused the tyre to puncture during landing.
2. Excessive Wear:
• The tyre may have reached its wear limit, compromising its integrity upon touchdown.
3. Hard Landing:
• A higher-than-normal vertical speed at touchdown could have exerted excessive stress on the tyre.
4. Inflation Issues:
• Underinflated or overinflated tyres can lead to structural weaknesses, increasing the risk of bursting during landing.
Maintenance Actions
1. Tyre Replacement:
• The damaged tyre was replaced, and the landing gear system was inspected for secondary damage.
2. Runway Inspection:
• Airport authorities conducted a thorough inspection of Runway 34 to identify and remove any potential FOD.
3. System Diagnostics:
• A review of tyre pressure monitoring and landing data was carried out to determine contributing factors.
Safety Risks
1. Runway Excursion Risk:
• A burst tyre can increase the risk of losing directional control during landing.
2. Impact on Surrounding Components:
• A burst tyre can damage nearby landing gear structures or systems if debris impacts other components.
3. Passenger and Crew Safety:
• While no injuries were reported in this instance, tyre bursts can pose a safety risk if not managed effectively.
Recommendations
1. Enhanced Tyre Monitoring:
• Conduct regular inspections to ensure tyres meet wear and pressure standards before flight operations.
2. Runway Maintenance:
• Ensure thorough and frequent inspections to eliminate FOD risks on runways.
3. Flight Crew Training:
• Reinforce protocols for handling tyre bursts during landing to maintain control and ensure passenger safety.
4. Data Analysis:
• Examine trends in tyre-related issues across the fleet to identify potential systemic concerns.
Safety Lessons and Industry Impact
This event highlights the importance of routine maintenance and effective runway inspections in preventing tyre-related incidents. The prompt and professional response from the flight crew ensured a safe outcome, demonstrating the importance of rigorous training and adherence to standard operating procedures.
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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.
