BUMPY RIDE

Explosion Reported After American Airlines Flight Blows Tires

The incident was the latest aviation woe for Boeing.

An American Airlines flight in the eastern Caribbean caused a loud explosion when the Boeing plane smashed into the tarmac upon landing this week, witnesses said. The Monday afternoon flight, which originated in Miami, Florida, touched down in Argyle International Airport (AIA), Kingstown, Saint Vincent with a bump—and resulting smoke show. Witnesses said a loud explosion rang out before smoke reportedly started billowing from the landing gear as the Boeing 737 MAX 8 rumbled past the terminal building. Photos on social media show both front tires completely destroyed. No injuries were reported. Passengers were reportedly evacuated from the aircraft on the tarmac. A local aviation expert told the Caribbean Media Corporation that windy conditions may have caused the 737 to bounce off the tarmac on initial contact, blowing the tires. The airport was closed for a short period due to the incident, the first at the site since it was opened in 2017. Boeing, and its 737 MAX, have suffered a reputational battering in recent years, due to safety concerns and mass staff layoffs. Boeing did not immediately responded to a request for comment. American Airlines said: “American Airlines flight 909, with service from MIA to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (SVD), experienced a mechanical issue after landing in SVD. The aircraft was taken out of service to be inspected by our maintenance team. We thank our crew for their professionalism and our customers for their understanding.”