No signs of fire after AA aircraft tyre failure at AIA

By Admin. Updated 1:36 p.m., Tuesday, January 21, 2025, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force (RSVGPF) said there was no sign of fire after the tyres of an American Airlines aircraft blew out after landing at the Argyle International Airport (AIA) yesterday.

In a January 21 press release, the RSVGPF said the incident involving American Airlines Flight 909 occurred on Monday, January 20, 2025, at approximately 4:42 PM at the Argyle International Airport (AIA).

“According to reports, the aircraft, registration N328TC, a Boeing 737 MAX 8, experienced a failure of its left rear tire upon landing. Upon receiving the report, the RSVGPF Fire Brigade promptly dispatched a team of fire personnel from the AIA Fire Station to respond to the incident,” police said.

“Witnesses in the vicinity of the airport reported hearing a loud bang as the aircraft passed the terminal building, followed by smoke emitting from the landing gear area. However, fire personnel, upon arrival and assessment, confirmed that there were no signs of fire,” police said in the release.

“The aircraft was carrying 106 passengers and six (6) crew members, all of whom were safely evacuated without injury. Passengers disembarked at 5:37 PM and were transported via taxis,” police said.

The release said: “The aircraft was subsequently towed off the runway, and normal airport operations at Argyle International Airport (AIA) have since resumed. Investigations into the cause of the blown tire are ongoing, and the RSVGPF continues to work alongside relevant aviation authorities to ensure a comprehensive assessment of the situation.”

The RSVGPF said it commends the swift response and professionalism of the Fire Brigade in managing the incident effectively.