A viral video captured the incident as Flight 590 was taxiing at Tampa International Airport just before 8 am (local time).
The right-side tyre suddenly exploded, causing sparks and leaving a trail of smoke in the air, as shown in the video.Despite the tyre blowout, the plane continued taxiing before coming to a halt at the end of the runway. Emergency vehicles quickly responded to the scene after the aircraft stopped.
The 174 passengers and six crew members on board were unharmed and safely evacuated from the plane, which was then directed to the terminal, according to American Airlines spokesperson Alfredo Garduno. The airline arranged for the passengers to be transferred to a replacement flight, and the incident did not disrupt other flight operations at the Florida airport.
American Airlines released a statement acknowledging that Flight 590 “experienced a mechanical issue on the runway prior to taking off”.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the US’s federal aviation agency, stated that the crew “reported multiple blown tyres” and that they will investigate the incident. The agency confirmed that no injuries were reported and that the passengers were safely deplaned and transported to the terminal by bus.
“American Airlines Flight 590 aborted its takeoff from Tampa International Airport around 7:50 am local time on Wednesday, July 10, after the crew reported multiple blown tyres. Passengers were deplaned on the taxiway and bussed to the terminal,” the FAA said in a statement.
“The flight was headed to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. The FAA will investigate. Please contact the airline for additional information,” they added.