What happened
On 28 August 2007, an Airbus A321-231, registration G-OZBN, was operating a commercial flight from Alicante to Manchester. The aircraft arrived at Manchester Airport and performed a standard approach to Runway 23R, utilizing full flaps and medium autobrake settings. Upon touchdown, the crew applied full thrust reverse. During the landing roll, the crew noted that the brake temperature on the left landing gear was unusually high, measuring approximately 500º C, whereas other brake indications remained normal.
Following the landing, the aircraft taxied to its stand primarily using the right-side brakes. After the engines were shut down, an engineer identified a hydraulic leak within the port wheel well and noted damage to the No 2 tyre.
The investigation
An investigation into the incident established that the No 2 tyre tread had been shed during the landing sequence. Subsequent inspections of the aircraft revealed that fragments of the tyre tread had struck the underside of the left wing. The impact caused damage to the left engine, the left flap, and several hydraulic lines located within the left wheel well.
Findings
- The primary cause of the damage was the shedding of the No 2 tyre tread during the landing phase.
- Debris from the tyre struck the aircraft's left wing, leading to secondary damage to the engine and hydraulic systems.
- There were no injuries to the 8 crew members or the 205 passengers on board.