In a stunning display of aviation prowess and the quick thinking of its crew, American Airlines Flight AA590 narrowly avoided disaster on July 10, 2024, as it prepared for takeoff from Tampa International Airport. Bound for Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, the Boeing 737-800 aircraft, registered as N908AN, was accelerating down the runway when the right-hand main gear tires suddenly burst, sending plumes of smoke and sparks into the air.
.gif)
The incident, which occurred shortly before 8:00 a.m. Eastern, was captured on video by a passenger and subsequently shared on social media, showcasing the dramatic moment when the tires failed. Despite the high-speed nature of the takeoff, the pilots reacted with remarkable skill and precision, managing to safely abort the takeoff and bring the aircraft to a controlled stop on the runway. Emergency responders were immediately dispatched to the scene, where they found the aircraft with its right-hand main gear engulfed in flames. Passengers and crew were promptly evacuated from the plane and bussed back to the terminal, where they were met by American Airlines representatives and airport personnel.
In a statement released by American Airlines, the airline confirmed the incident, stating that Flight 590 "experienced a mechanical issue on the runway prior to taking off," involving "some of the aircraft's tires." The airline also confirmed that there were no injuries among the 174 passengers and six crew members aboard the flight. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently investigating the cause of the tire failure, and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has been notified of the incident. The aircraft remained grounded at Tampa International Airport for several hours following the event, undergoing a thorough inspection by maintenance crews.
Passengers from Flight 590 were rebooked on a replacement flight to Phoenix, and the airline expressed its gratitude to the passengers for their patience and understanding during the ordeal. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of aviation safety and the critical role played by well-trained pilots and responsive emergency services in averting potential disasters. American Airlines has a strong safety record, and the airline is committed to ensuring the well-being of its passengers and crew. As the investigation into the cause of the tire failure continues, the aviation community will undoubtedly be watching closely, eager to learn from this incident and prevent similar events from occurring in the future. In the meantime, the passengers and crew of Flight 590 can take solace in the fact that their lives were spared thanks to the swift and decisive actions of the pilots and the professionalism of the emergency responders.