HOUSTON, TX—A routine flight from the Midwest to Texas had a bumpy conclusion on Sunday when a United Airlines jet blew two tires upon landing at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) in Houston.
The aircraft, operating as United Flight 2662 and arriving from Chicago (ORD), landed safely, but the incident caused a controlled shutdown of the runway for inspection.
The Details of the Incident
The incident occurred as the aircraft, a Boeing 737 model, was touching down on a Houston runway late Sunday afternoon.
- Damage: The plane blew two tires on its main landing gear assembly upon impact with the runway. Passengers reported hearing a loud thud and feeling a noticeable bounce as the plane decelerated.
- Emergency Response: Despite the severity of the tire damage, the flight crew maintained control and brought the jet to a safe stop. Emergency vehicles were immediately dispatched to meet the aircraft as a precaution.
- No Injuries: United Airlines confirmed that no passengers or crew members were injured in the incident.
Runway Closure and Investigation
The disabled aircraft was able to pull off the main runway and onto an adjacent taxiway for inspection. This minimized the impact on overall airport operations, though the incident is now under review.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been notified and is investigating the cause of the tire blowout. While tire failures can be caused by various factors—from debris (FOD) on the runway to heavy braking—the investigation will determine the specific circumstances in this case.
The maintenance team quickly began the process of replacing the shredded tires and inspecting the landing gear components before the aircraft can be cleared to fly again.
Conclusion
Sunday’s blown tires in Houston are the latest in a series of ground-related incidents across the U.S. aviation system. However, the safe landing of the United jet, thanks to the quick action of the flight crew and the robust design of the Boeing 737’s landing gear, reinforces the multiple layers of safety built into commercial air travel. The FAA’s investigation will be crucial in ensuring the integrity of maintenance and operational procedures at major hubs.
Affiliate Disclosure
This article is a news report on an aviation incident and does not contain any affiliate links or paid endorsements.
Disclaimer
The details in this report are based on official statements from United Airlines (https://www.united.com/) and preliminary reports from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The investigation into the cause of the tire blowout is ongoing. Readers should consult the official airline website for the most current flight information.
