Casualties unknown

Tire Debris Ingestion Leads to Engine Failure on Takeoff (N8943E)

Atlanta, GA, US

On June 8, 1990, a Douglas DC-9-31 (registration N8943E) operated by Eastern Air Lines, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Atlanta, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: INADEQUATE MAINTENANCE INSPECTION BY OPERATOR PERSONNEL WHICH RESULTED IN OPERATION OF THE TIRE WHILE UNDER-INFLATED. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff rotation, a tire ruptured, sending debris into the left engine, which lost power. The crew shut down the engine and returned for a single-engine landing.

Incident Overview

During the takeoff roll, as the aircraft rotated, the flight crew heard a loud bang and felt a vibration. The left engine subsequently lost power, prompting the crew to shut it down. They completed a single-engine landing at the departure airport without further incident.

Investigation Findings

Post-incident investigation determined that the number two tire had ruptured during the takeoff roll. Debris from the tire entered the left engine, causing the loss of power. The tire had been recapped once seven days prior to the incident and was installed on the aircraft two days before the flight.

Maintenance History

The aircraft had undergone two daily service inspections: one on the day before the incident and another on the morning of the incident. These inspections include tire pressure checks using a gauge. Notably, two other recent tire blowout incidents during takeoff at the same facility were attributed to under-inflation, though the investigation did not state whether under-inflation was a factor in this occurrence.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X23321. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.