2 days ago
United Airlines Passengers Told Tires 'Might Be on Fire' After Emergency Landing: Video
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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A United Airlines passenger captured their experience on a flight that was apparently forced to make an emergency landing after being told that the "tires might be on fire."
The passenger, as username ruggerid on Reddit, shared a video showing their flight at an airport while the tires are sprayed with water.
'An amazing job'
The original poster (OP) wrote that they were on a United Airlines flight from Newark, New Jersey to Malaga, Spain when the incident occurred.
"Engine problems sent us back after takeoff. Now the tires might be on fire," the OP wrote.
The OP added in their post that they were offered a $15 meal voucher following the plane's emergency landing.
In a message to Newsweek via Reddit, the OP said that the incident occurred on United Airlines flight number 350.
"I think the pilot really did an amazing job, but United really did not," the OP told Newsweek.
"I would like to add that the pilot probably didn't fully get the recognition he deserved. We applauded him and thanked him. But I don't think we realized until after the fact the potential danger we could have been in.
"He kept us apprised of the situation but in such a calm manner. Never telling us about the severity of the engine failure."
Stock image: Woman on a plane appearing nervous with her hands held over her face.
Stock image: Woman on a plane appearing nervous with her hands held over her face.
Getty
Username ruggerid told Newsweek that passengers on the plane did not learn of the severity of the situation after they got off the flight and were waiting for a new one.
The OP also noted that many passengers on the plane were able to remain calm during the incident.
"It really was an experience that could have been bad on multiple levels, but everyone played their role and all worked out good in the end. Adding in too the people on the ground managed it well too.
"Except like I said earlier, we needed more than a $15 voucher and then dinner wasn't even served on the flight per the original flight service."
Newsweek has contacted United Airlines for comment via email.
Fire Hoses Used to Cool Down Brakes
Users in the Reddit thread discussed the cause, noting that the emergency crews were responding to the possibility of overheated brakes from a fuel-heavy landing.
"When you land heavy with all the extra fuel the tires/brakes get extra hot upon landing so they bring out the hoses," one person offered.
Another individual clarified: "Tires aren't on fire. It's to cool down the brakes."
The crew's handling of the situation drew praise, such as the person who declared: "Good job crew!"
A contributor considered that, "Any flight you walk off the plane onto the jet bridge safely is a good flight [in my opinion]."
Benjamin Akih-Kumgeh, an associate professor in the Aerospace Engineering Undergraduate Program at Syracuse University told Newsweek that the take off and ascent phases of a flight are among the "most demanding" in terms of thrust production by the engines.
"Insufficient thrust output by the engines for any reason can necessitate an emergency landing," Akih-Kumgeh said.
"Landing immediately after take off is more demanding because of the total weight, with full fuel capacity. The maximum allowed weight for take off is higher than the maximum allowed weight of the plane for landing.
"High enough temperature regions on the tires can ignite the tire material."
'The safest action'
Similarly, Professor Graham Braithwaite FRAeS, the director of aerospace and aviation at Cranfield University in the United Kingdom, told Newsweek that while an engine problem resulting in a turnback is unusual, it may be precautionary—anything from a sensor issue to something more serious.
"Returning to a particular airport could be because there are maintenance facilities there, or alternative flights," Braithwaite said.
"In this case, the aircraft would not be able to complete an extended flight over water if it has an engine issue, so a turnback [is] the safest action."
The professor also explained to Newsweek that long-haul flights like this one are likely to be heavy, which could add additional strain on the brakes and tires.
"I realize it will look dramatic for those on board, but it is the safety system working properly," Braithwaite said.
Similar Incidents Put Focus on Airline Safety Procedures
The event adds to a string of widely shared incidents involving mid-air complications that have led to diversions or precautionary responses. In a separate case covered by Newsweek, a flight attendant shined a flashlight out of a window to check parts of the aircraft's exterior.
Another Newsweek report described a five-hour flight that was minutes from landing before being rerouted.
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