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FAA Opens Investigations After Two Blown Tires at O’Hare

8/19/2026

Center

Airlines Tire Incident

American Airlines Flight 386 and United Airlines Flight 739 suffered tire damage while landing at Chicago O’Hare Airport on Monday.
Officials said the incidents occurred on separate runways and may involve weather, with Chicago Aviation Commissioner Mike McMurray coordinating the FAA response.
Delays at O’Hare remained under 15 minutes after the tire incidents.
Passengers exited the aircraft via stairs and were escorted to the terminal by bus.

Right

Airlines Deplane Safely

American Airlines Flight 386 and United Airlines Flight 739 suffered blown tires while landing at Chicago O’Hare International Airport on Monday.
Crews and first responders calmly deplaned passengers and escorted them by bus, showcasing professionalism and order.
The FAA opened investigations and expects 3,080 peak-day flights this summer, a 14.9% increase.
United reported zero injuries among 121 passengers and crew; American called it a “tire issue.”

History

Historical Context

On May 25 1979, American Airlines Flight 191, a DC-10, crashed after takeoff from Chicago O’Hare, killing 271 passengers, two crew and two ground victims (273 total). The FAA grounded all U.S. DC-10s on June 6, revoked the type certificate, and restored it on July 13 after required structural and hydraulic changes. Today, O’Hare tire-blowouts on American Flight 386 and United Flight 739 reflect that legacy.

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Airlines Tire Incident

American Airlines Flight 386 and United Airlines Flight 739 suffered tire damage while landing at Chicago O’Hare Airport on Monday.
Officials said the incidents occurred on separate runways and may involve weather, with Chicago Aviation Commissioner Mike McMurray coordinating the FAA response.
Delays at O’Hare remained under 15 minutes after the tire incidents.
Passengers exited the aircraft via stairs and were escorted to the terminal by bus.

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