Engine failure following tire rupture during takeoff

Casualties unknown • Atlanta, GA, US

A flight crew performed a single-engine landing at their departure airport after a tire failure caused debris to enter the left engine during rotation.

What happened

During the rotation phase of takeoff, the flight crew experienced a loud bang accompanied by significant vibration. Following this event, the left engine lost power, prompting the crew to shut it down. The crew subsequently completed a single-engine landing back at the departure airport; all occupants were not injured.

The investigation

An investigation determined that the No. 2 tire ruptured during the takeoff roll. This rupture released debris that entered the engine. Records indicated that the tire had been recapped once seven days prior to the incident and had been installed on the aircraft two days before the event.

Additionally, the aircraft had undergone two daily service inspections—one on the day preceding the accident and one on the morning of the incident. These inspections include requirements for checking tire pressure using a gauge.

Findings

Investigators identified that two other recent takeoff incidents involving tire blowouts were also caused by under-inflation.

Probable cause

The rupture of the number 2 tire during the takeoff roll, which allowed tire debris to enter the engine and cause a loss of power.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1990-06-08 Douglas DC-9-31 accident near Atlanta, GA?

A flight crew performed a single-engine landing at their departure airport after a tire failure caused debris to enter the left engine during rotation.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1990-06-08 involved a Douglas DC-9-31, registration N8943E, operated by Eastern Air Lines, Inc., at Atlanta, GA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The rupture of the number 2 tire during the takeoff roll, which allowed tire debris to enter the engine and cause a loss of power.

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.

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