Federal authorities confirmed that an American Airlines flight was unexpectedly grounded on Wednesday after two of the aircraft’s tires ruptured as the plane was taxiing for departure at Chicago O’Hare International Airport — the latest in a series of similar tire-related events at the busy hub this month.
The aircraft involved, American Airlines Flight 3280, was a Boeing 737 preparing for its journey to Charlotte, North Carolina, according to the airline and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
“Shortly after pushing back from the gate at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), American Airlines flight 3280 experienced a tire issue on the taxiway,” an American Airlines spokesperson told FOX Business.
Officials confirmed that all passengers safely deplaned using mobile stairs and were transported back to the terminal by bus.
TWO PLANES BLOW TIRES WHILE LANDING AT MAJOR U.S. AIRPORT HOURS APART, FAA INVESTIGATING
Aerial view of Chicago O’Hare International Airport. American Airlines Flight 3280 suffered two tire blowouts while taxiing at O’Hare on Wednesday. (Daniel Slim/AFP via Getty Images, File / Getty Images)
The airline arranged for passengers to continue their journey on a replacement aircraft shortly after the incident.
According to flight tracking data from FlightAware, travelers reached their final destination nearly four hours later than originally scheduled.
“We never want to disrupt our customers’ travel plans, and we apologize for the inconvenience this caused,” the carrier stated.
The FAA has announced it will conduct an investigation into the incident.
Wednesday’s blowout represents the fifth reported tire-related issue at O’Hare this month, though investigators have not yet determined a common cause.
Passengers deplaned after the American Airlines jet was halted before takeoff. (Ronen Tivony/NurPhoto via Getty Images, File / Getty Images)
FAA TO CUT FLIGHTS AT MAJOR U.S. AIRPORT TO REDUCE DELAYS
Last Saturday, American Airlines Flight 3199 experienced a tire failure after arriving from Phoenix, according to Simply Flying. The incident took place while the aircraft was taxiing toward the gate.
On August 17, American Airlines Flight 387 reported two blown tires following a safe landing, according to the FAA. That flight had originated at New York’s LaGuardia Airport.
Wednesday’s tire blowouts delayed travelers nearly four hours and added to a growing string of tire-related incidents at Chicago O’Hare. (Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images, File / Getty Images)
Just three hours after that incident, United Airlines Flight 739 also reported a blown tire following a safe landing, the FAA confirmed. The Airbus A320 had arrived from Omaha, Nebraska.
On August 13, United Airlines Flight 455 suffered a tire blowout during takeoff while en route to Phoenix, according to FOX 32 Chicago. No injuries were reported in that incident.
Chicago O’Hare International Airport officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment from FOX Business.
