American Airlines Flight 41 Blows Two Tires After Landing at Chicago O'Hare; Crew Reported Brake Problem, One Hospitalized

American Airlines Flight 41 Blows Two Tires After Landing at Chicago O'Hare; Crew Reported Brake Problem, One Hospitalized

Flight 41 from Barcelona lands at O'Hare, crew reports brake dragging before tire blowout

On Tuesday afternoon, American Airlines Flight 41, arriving from Josep Tarradellas Barcelona–El Prat Airport in Spain, blew tires after landing at Chicago O'Hare International Airport. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the crew "reported a brake issue and then a blown tire" after landing safely. On air-traffic-control audio obtained from ATC.com, a pilot can be heard telling controllers, "We've got a right brake that might be dragging." The pilots declared an emergency and stopped the aircraft on the runway. Passenger John Abbate told ABC News the landing "was real rough," and that the captain later announced blown tires on the port side of the plane.

FAA opens investigation as airline calls it a "tire issue"

The FAA said it is investigating the incident. American Airlines, in a statement, said the aircraft experienced "a tire issue" and that the Boeing 787-800 has been taken out of service so its maintenance team can inspect it. Passengers deplaned via stairs and were bused to the terminal, per the FAA. The airline thanked its team for taking care of customers. The cause of the reported brake issue was not immediately clear, according to the airline.

One hospitalized in good condition; 234 passengers and 11 crew on board

The flight was carrying 234 passengers and 11 crew members. A Chicago Fire Department spokesperson said one person was injured and hospitalized in good condition; it was unclear whether the injured person was a crew member or a passenger. First responders assisted at the scene per procedure, and passengers were safely transported to the terminal by bus. Emergency vehicles surrounded the aircraft around 4 p.m., according to ABC7 Chicago.

Expert: a locked brake or wheel can blow a tire

Erik Baker, a professor of aviation and transportation at Lewis University, told reporters the reported brake issue could be an important clue for investigators. "When a locked wheel or a locked brake that locks the wheel, you're going to blow the tire," Baker said. "And so, they knew about that potential. They had a brake indication. They alerted tower. They knew that was going to be the potential outcome." The cause of the reported brake issue and tire blowout remains under investigation, and the aircraft has been taken out of service for inspection.

O'Hare has seen at least four prior tire or brake incidents since mid-August

Tuesday's incident adds to a log of gear issues at Chicago's primary hub. Federal records show at least four prior incidents involving blown tires or braking malfunctions at O'Hare since mid-August, including a United Airlines blowout and multiple American Airlines taxiway blowouts, according to Time News citing Simple Flying. The FAA investigation will determine whether any operational or procedural changes are needed.