DHL Boeing 737 freighter suffers tire blowout and fire on landing at LAX

A DHL-operated Boeing 737-800 cargo jet arriving from Phoenix reportedly locked its brakes on landing at Los Angeles International Airport, causing a tire to burst and catch fire.

File photograph illustrating: DHL Boeing 737 freighter suffers tire blowout and fire on landing at LAX
File photo · San Diego Air & Space Museum Archives · Public domain

Boeing 737 (all variants)

A DHL-operated cargo flight had an eventful landing at Los Angeles International Airport after arriving from Phoenix on what had otherwise been an unremarkable domestic run. Footage captured during a livestream showed the Boeing 737-800 freighter appearing to lock its brakes while decelerating on the runway.

That braking issue reportedly caused at least one tire to blow out. The tire then caught fire, producing visible flames and smoke near the landing gear as the aircraft came to a stop.

A livestreamer monitoring airport activity recorded the incident, and the footage circulated online afterward, drawing attention to the scene on the runway. It is not yet clear whether the aircraft required emergency assistance from airport fire crews, or whether operations at LAX were disrupted as a result.

No injuries have been reported. Further details about the cause of the brake lock-up, the extent of damage to the aircraft, and any resulting delays have not been confirmed.

DHL has not issued a detailed public statement on the cause of the malfunction. Aviation authorities have not said whether an investigation has been opened.

Tire failures during landing rollouts are among the more common ground-related occurrences at busy airports, even if alarming to witness. The fire in this case made the event more visually dramatic than a typical blowout. Additional details about the aircraft's post-incident inspection and return to service may emerge as more information becomes available.

PhoenixLos Angeles

Sources

  • simpleflying.comDramatic Livestream Captures Boeing 737 Tire Explosion On LAX Runway