Overview
- A United Airlines Boeing 737-900 stopped its takeoff and blew a tire around 1:45 p.m. Thursday, and all 161 passengers and six crew members deplaned with no reported injuries.
- Passengers exited the aircraft using portable airstairs, were bused back to the terminal, and United said it was arranging another plane to complete the Chicago-to-Phoenix trip later the same day.
- Video shared on social media showed a large emergency response on the runway and the disabled aircraft contributed to average arrival delays at O'Hare.
- The FAA is investigating the O'Hare tire blowout and is reviewing this event alongside a separate United tire incident at San Francisco earlier in August.
- Regulators' findings could prompt targeted inspections or operational changes for tires and takeoff procedures, while affected passengers faced delays but were safely re-accommodated.