Engine failure following tire tread separation during takeoff roll

Casualties unknown • Los Angeles, CA, US

A crew aborted a takeoff after an engine failure caused by tire debris entering the engine fan blades during the takeoff roll.

What happened

During the takeoff roll, the cockpit crew experienced a vibration within the aircraft. This was immediately followed by a loud bang and the subsequent failure of the right-hand (number 2) engine. In response to the engine failure, the captain performed a rejected takeoff, successfully bringing the airplane to a stop on the remaining runway.

The investigation

An examination of the aircraft following the incident revealed that the tire tread was missing from the number 3 tire located on the right-hand main landing gear. Investigators discovered a piece of black rubber, consistent with the missing tire tread, lodged within the fan outlet guide vanes of the engine.

Further inspection of the engine showed black smearing marks on several fan blades and bent stator vanes. The material causing the smearing and damage was identified as being similar to the tire tread material. The investigation concluded that the engine sustained substantial damage, while the airframe sustained minor damage.

Probable cause

The failure of the number 2 engine was caused by tire tread from the right-hand main landing gear separating and being ingested into the engine fan blades.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1997-08-24 Airbus Industrie A300 B4-203 accident near Los Angeles, CA?

A crew aborted a takeoff after an engine failure caused by tire debris entering the engine fan blades during the takeoff roll.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1997-08-24 involved a Airbus Industrie A300 B4-203, registration N862PA, operated by Pan American World Airways, IN, at Los Angeles, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The failure of the number 2 engine was caused by tire tread from the right-hand main landing gear separating and being ingested into the engine fan blades.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08665. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

Loading the flight search…