The FAA says a LATAM Airlines Boeing 767-300ER blew multiple tires after safely landing at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Jan. 6. Emergency crews surrounded the jet and passengers were reportedly stranded on the tarmac for hours, but no injuries were reported. Portions of the runway were cleared and airport operations continued with minimal disruption. The FAA has opened an investigation to determine the cause of the blowouts.
Multiple Tires Blow on LATAM Boeing 767 After Atlanta Landing — Passengers Stranded, FAA Investigating
11AliveTires blow out on arriving plane at Atlanta Airport, passengers evacuated on runway
A LATAM Airlines Boeing 767-300ER suffered multiple tire blowouts after it landed at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Tuesday, Jan. 6, prompting a large emergency response and temporarily leaving passengers on the tarmac.
What Happened
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) told PEOPLE that the flight from Peru "blew tires after safely landing" at about 7:38 p.m., roughly 17 minutes ahead of its scheduled arrival time of 7:55 p.m. Local reports said the flight had been in the air for about seven hours and 24 minutes before touchdown.
Emergency Response
Atlanta Fire Rescue Department crews and other emergency vehicles responded after initial reports of "flat tires on an aircraft," according to CBS News. Video from Fox 5 Atlanta showed multiple emergency vehicles positioned around the jet on the runway. A first responder could be heard on the radio saying,
Smith Collection/Gado/GettyHartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
"All tires are blown on the landing gear on the rear, the last eight. All tires under the wing seem to be blown."
No injuries were reported. Atlanta News First said some passengers remained stranded on the runway for several hours while crews worked to secure the aircraft and clear portions of the runway.
Aftermath and Investigation
Airport operations reportedly continued with minimal disruption after sections of the runway were cleared for safety checks, CBS News reported. The FAA confirmed to PEOPLE that it will open an investigation into the incident to determine the cause of the tire failures. Investigators typically review maintenance records, interview crew and ground personnel, and inspect the aircraft to identify any mechanical, maintenance or operational factors.
Neither LATAM Airlines nor the Atlanta Fire Rescue Department immediately provided a comment to PEOPLE. Family members of passengers described the experience as frightening; one relative told Atlanta News First she was "already freaking out," while another noted that quick information and a prompt emergency response were reassuring.
Key facts: the aircraft involved was a Boeing 767-300ER, the incident occurred on Jan. 6 at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, no injuries were reported, and the FAA has launched a formal investigation.
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