American Airlines Boeing 787 Makes Emergency Landing at O'Hare After Brake Issue, One Hospitalized

An American Airlines Boeing 787-8 arriving from Barcelona landed at Chicago O’Hare on Tuesday, October 20, after the crew reported a possible brake problem on approach. Tires blew during the landing, and the aircraft stopped on the runway. One person was taken to hospital.

What Happened

Flight AA41 was a scheduled service from Barcelona-El Prat to O’Hare. According to AeroCorner and Bolt Flight, the aircraft was a Boeing 787-8, registration N806AA, with 234 passengers and 11 crew on board.

During the approach the crew declared an emergency. Air traffic control audio quoted in coverage has a pilot saying, “We’ve got a right brake that might be dragging.” Aviation A2Z reported that the crew also asked for emergency vehicles to follow the aircraft to the gate. The FAA said the crew reported a brake issue and then a blown tire.

The Landing

Passenger John Abbate described a loud boom as the aircraft touched down and a rough ride. Bolt Flight reported that the jet rolled to a stop at the end of the runway with two flat tires, and Aviation A2Z reported that the captain later told passengers that tires had blown out. The aircraft could not taxi to the gate, so emergency crews met it on the runway.

Passengers and Injuries

Passengers left by mobile stairs and were taken to the terminal by bus, according to the FAA and several outlets. The accounts of injuries differ. The Chicago Fire Department said one person went to a hospital in good condition, as reported by AeroCorner and Bolt Flight, and the coverage does not say whether that person was a passenger or a crew member. American said no one was injured.

What American and the FAA Said

American described the event as a tire issue after the aircraft landed safely, removed it from service and had its maintenance team inspect it. The airline apologized to customers for the experience. The FAA said the flight landed safely and that it will investigate.

Neither American nor the FAA had publicly confirmed the condition of the brake or the cause of the tire failures, Bolt Flight reported on Wednesday. 

Why a Dragging Brake Matters

Erik Baker, an aviation professor at Lewis University, who said a locked or dragging brake can generate heat and extra stress on a tire and can cause it to fail. He stressed that the exact cause in this case has not been established, and investigators still need to determine whether the reported brake problem led to the tire failures.

What Remains Unclear

Several questions are remain unanswered. The cause of the brake problem and the exact number of failed tires are unconfirmed. The FAA is investigating further.