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Tire Burst During Takeoff Roll After FOD Contact During Taxi (B-2470)

Los Angeles, CA, US

On June 29, 2007, a Boeing 747-400 (registration B-2470) operated by Air China was involved in an aviation accident near Los Angeles, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of pressure in the number 12 tire due to inadvertent contact with foreign object debris while taxiing prior to takeoff, which resulted the number 11 tire to over deflect and burst during takeoff roll. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 11 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards
Aircraft registered B-2470
Aircraft registered B-2470. Photo: User:Vmenkov / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

During taxi, a tire contacted foreign object debris, causing a cut and pressure loss. An EICAS message was displayed but not acted upon. During takeoff, two aft tires burst, wheels fractured, and minor damage occurred.

Incident Overview

While taxiing for departure, the airplane's No. 12 tire on the right body landing gear (RBLG) contacted foreign object debris (FOD). This contact resulted in a cut tire and loss of tire pressure. An electronic message reflecting the loss of pressure in the No. 12 tire was displayed on the engine indicating and crew alerting system (EICAS) in the cockpit; however, no further action was taken by the flight crew.

Takeoff Roll Events

During the takeoff roll, the two aft tires on the RBLG—No. 11 (inboard) and No. 12 (outboard)—burst. The associated wheels fractured as a result of the tire bursts. The burst tires and fractured wheels caused minor damage to the airplane.

Return and Landing

Following the tire bursts, the airplane returned to the airport and landed uneventfully. No anomalies were noted during the return or landing.

Post-Incident Examination

Examination of the airplane's systems and wheel assemblies revealed no additional anomalies beyond the damaged tires and wheels. The investigation did not identify any other contributing factors or system malfunctions.

Related events

Same aircraft family

Same operator

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All Boeing 747-400 accidents →

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 29 Jun 2007 Boeing 747-400 accident near Los Angeles, CA?

During taxi, a tire contacted foreign object debris, causing a cut and pressure loss. An EICAS message was displayed but not acted upon. During takeoff, two aft tires burst, wheels fractured, and minor damage occurred.

Were there any fatalities in the 29 Jun 2007 Boeing 747-400 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 29 Jun 2007 involved a Boeing 747-400, registration B-2470, operated by Air China, at Los Angeles, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The loss of pressure in the number 12 tire due to inadvertent contact with foreign object debris while taxiing prior to takeoff, which resulted the number 11 tire to over deflect and burst during takeoff roll. Contributing to the incident was the failure of the flight crew to detect and act upon the EICAS message…

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20070716X00940. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.