American Airlines 737 Blows Two Tires After Landing at Chicago O’Hare

CHICAGO — Two tires failed on an American Airlines (AA) Boeing 737-800, reg. N844NN, after it landed at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) on Monday afternoon, prompting passengers to leave the aircraft on a taxiway.

Flight AA386 had arrived from New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA) at about 2 p.m. CDT when the tire failures occurred, according to details attributed to American Airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration.

The aircraft landed safely. Passengers deplaned using stairs and were taken to the terminal by bus, while American removed the 737 from service for inspection. CBS News Chicago reported that no injuries were reported.

The FAA said it would investigate. No cause had been announced as of Monday afternoon.

Second O’Hare Tire Event in Four Days

The AA386 incident followed a separate tire event at O’Hare four days earlier. United Airlines (UA) Flight 455, a Boeing 737-900 bound for Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX), rejected its takeoff on Thursday after tire failures.

In that case, ABC News reported that air traffic control audio indicated emergency crews found two blown tires on the right main landing gear. The passengers returned to the terminal, and United said there were no injuries.

The two events occurred during different phases of operation: AA386 had landed, while UA455 was attempting to depart. Authorities have not said the incidents are connected, and the available reporting provides no basis to attribute either event to runway conditions, debris, weather, braking, maintenance, or another cause.

O’Hare also recorded an earlier American tire event this year. American Flight AA791 from Miami International Airport (MIA) experienced a tire issue while taxiing after a normal landing on May 12, according to the airline. The FAA initially referred to a flat main-gear tire, while CBS Chicago reported that the aircraft had two flat tires.

The FAA investigations into the August events should establish whether either occurrence has implications beyond the individual aircraft. Until investigators release findings, their proximity at the same airport is context rather than evidence of a common cause.