On December 11, 2024, a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-700, operating flight WN1011 from Phoenix (PHX) to Los Angeles (LAX), experienced a tire burst during landing. The incident occurred when the aircraft, registered as N7831B, touched down on runway 25R at approximately 8:22 PM PST. The tire failure happened on the main landing gear, leading to debris damaging the undercarriage. Despite this, the aircraft was able to taxi to the gate at Terminal 1 under its own power. No injuries were reported among the 135 passengers and 5 crew members on board, showcasing the crew's ability to manage the situation effectively.
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Following the incident, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a statement acknowledging the event, "Aircraft on landing blew a tire and debris damaged undercarriage, Los Angeles, CA." The FAA is likely to investigate this incident, given the safety implications of such occurrences during landing phases. Southwest Airlines has been proactive in responding to the situation, ensuring that all passengers were safely disembarked and arranging alternative transportation for those with connecting flights or final destinations beyond LAX. The airline issued an apology for the inconvenience caused and emphasized that safety is its top priority.
The aircraft involved in this incident, N7831B, is a 21-year-old Boeing 737-700 that was previously operated by WestJet before being transferred to Southwest Airlines. It's currently configured for 143 passengers in an all-economy layout. After this event, the plane was grounded at LAX for inspection and repair. This is not an isolated incident for Southwest Airlines, which has faced similar challenges in the past. In June 2024, another Southwest Boeing 737-800 experienced a critical tire failure during takeoff from Denver International Airport, prompting an emergency return. These incidents highlight the ongoing challenges airlines face with aircraft maintenance, particularly concerning tires which are subject to intense stress during takeoff and landing.
The maintenance of aircraft components like tires is crucial, not only for safety but also for operational continuity. Tires on commercial jets are designed to withstand the rigors of aviation, but failures can occur due to various factors including wear and tear, manufacturing defects, or foreign object damage (FOD) on runways. Southwest Airlines, along with its maintenance teams, will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the tire burst, whether it was due to pre-existing conditions, runway debris, or operational issues. This will involve examining the tire's condition before the flight, the runway's state at the time of landing, and the aircraft's performance data during the landing process.