Introduction
On 3 February 2025, a Jazz de Havilland Dash 8-400, registration C-GGNZ, operating flight QK-8441 from Vancouver (CYVR) to Terrace (CYXT), Canada, suffered a suspected main landing gear tyre failure on departure. The crew reported unusual vibrations and requested a runway inspection, which confirmed the presence of tyre debris on Runway 08R.
The crew decided to return to Vancouver, conducting a go-around on the first approach before successfully landing on the second attempt. Subsequent inspection revealed that the left inboard main landing gear tyre had blown, causing minor damage to the landing gear door and lower engine nacelle.
The Canadian Transportation Safety Board (TSB) initiated an investigation, confirming tyre debris was found on the departure runway and that aircraft maintenance teams conducted necessary repairs before returning the aircraft to service.
Flight & Incident Overview
• Aircraft: de Havilland Dash 8-400
• Operator: Jazz Aviation
• Flight Number: QK-8441
• Route: Vancouver (CYVR) → Terrace (CYXT), Canada
• Date: 3 February 2025
• Occupants: 72 passengers, 4 crew
• Injury Report: None
• Aircraft Damage: Minor damage to landing gear door and lower engine nacelle
• Investigation: Conducted by Canada’s TSB
Sequence of Events
Departure & Suspected Tyre Failure
• The aircraft departed Runway 08R at Vancouver International Airport for a routine flight to Terrace.
• During initial climb, the crew detected unusual vibrations, raising concerns of a tyre failure during the takeoff roll.
• A passenger reported visible damage to the left inboard main landing gear tyre.
• The crew alerted ATC, requesting a runway inspection.
• Ground crews confirmed tyre debris on the departure runway, supporting the crew’s suspicion of a blown tyre.
Return to Vancouver & Go-Around
• The crew declared an emergency and decided to return to Vancouver as a precaution.
• The aircraft positioned for an approach to Runway 08R, but the crew executed a go-around after receiving an ATC message from company dispatch instructing them to complete the main landing gear tyre failure checklist.
• After reviewing the appropriate emergency procedures, the crew positioned for a second approach and landed safely without further incident.
Investigation & Findings
1. Tyre Failure & Debris on Runway
• Runway inspection confirmed debris, indicating the left inboard main landing gear tyre had blown during takeoff.
• Tyre failure likely occurred at high speed, causing vibrations detected in flight.
2. Minor Structural Damage
• Post-landing inspection identified:
• Damage to the left inboard main landing gear door.
• Impact damage to the lower engine nacelle panel.
• No damage to flight controls or other critical components was found.
3. Maintenance Actions
• Both main landing gear tyres were replaced as a precaution.
• The inboard brake and speed transducer were replaced on the left main landing gear.
• Temporary repairs were completed on the damaged landing gear door and engine nacelle.
Safety Analysis & Contributing Factors
1. Possible Causes of Tyre Failure
• Normal wear and tear could have weakened the tyre structure.
• Undetected damage from previous operations, including hard landings, rough taxiing surfaces, or foreign object debris (FOD).
• Overheating due to brake application on a previous flight, which can compromise tyre integrity.
2. Crew Decision-Making & Response
• The crew’s prompt recognition of vibrations and request for runway inspection helped confirm the issue.
• Executing a go-around to complete the landing gear tyre failure checklist demonstrated adherence to standard operating procedures.
• Coordinated communication with ATC and airline dispatch ensured a safe and controlled landing.
3. Runway & ATC Response
• Swift ground crew inspection of Runway 08R allowed confirmation of the tyre failure.
• Effective ATC coordination facilitated the aircraft’s safe return.
Safety Recommendations & Preventative Measures
1. Enhanced Tyre Inspection Protocols
• Routine pre-flight tyre inspections should be reinforced, with a focus on detecting early signs of wear, cuts, or bulges.
• Post-flight tyre pressure monitoring should be emphasised to identify gradual deflation or damage from previous landings.
2. Improved Landing Gear Maintenance
• Periodic ultrasound or thermal imaging scans to detect internal structural weaknesses in tyres.
• Brake temperature monitoring to assess whether excessive heat may contribute to tyre degradation.
3. Strengthened Crew Training for Tyre-Related Emergencies
• Simulation of tyre failure scenarios should be integrated into recurrent training.
• Enhanced decision-making training for when to abort takeoff vs. continue in the event of abnormal vibrations.
4. Runway FOD Monitoring & Prevention
• Increased foreign object debris (FOD) detection patrols on high-traffic runways.
• Implementation of automated FOD detection systems to identify potential hazards before aircraft operations.
Conclusion
The tyre failure incident involving Jazz flight QK-8441 at Vancouver International Airport was handled professionally by the flight crew, ATC, and ground support teams.
The crew’s decision to return to Vancouver, execute a go-around to complete the checklist, and land safely was in line with best safety practices.
The investigation confirmed that the left inboard main landing gear tyre failure was the primary cause, leading to minor structural damage.
The aircraft was repaired, inspected, and returned to service, with no injuries reported.
Future safety measures will focus on enhanced tyre monitoring, maintenance, and training to mitigate the risk of similar incidents.
Disclaimer
“This report is based on available information as of 15 March 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the completeness of the details cannot be guaranteed. If you are the rightful owner of any referenced materials and wish them removed, please email takedown@cockpitking.com.”
