The tragic accident at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Tuesday morning, which claimed the lives of two maintenance engineers and severely injured a third when an aircraft tire reportedly exploded at the Delta Air Lines facility, highlights the many intricacies involved in ensuring safe flight. It brings to the fore those generally hidden in the wings – the maintenance staff – and the dangers they are exposed to.
“The Delta family is heartbroken at the loss of two team members and the injury of another following an incident this morning at the Atlanta Technical Operations Maintenance facility (TOC 3). We have extended our full support to family members and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time,” the airline’s statement read. Its spokesperson confirmed that the incident had occurred just after 05:00 on 27AUG24, at the Wheel and Brake Shop at Delta’s TechOps facility in Atlanta. The facility is the largest in North America, providing maintenance, repair, and overhaul work for Delta as well as over 150 other aviation and airline customers. Delta spoke of “a wheel component” and refrained from commenting on the nature of the accident, but The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers indicated a tire explosion had taken place when wheel maintenance went wrong. The injuries detailed later in the press, where one of the engineers, close to retirement and with over 20 years’ experience in his field, was only identifiable by his lanyard and a few tattoos, appear consistent with a tire explosion. The tire had not been attached to an aircraft at the time.
A dangerous job
Charlie Hines, a speaker for the Machinists and Aerospace Union told AP news: “This is tragic and heartbreaking. Every day that we get up and go in there [maintenance job], we realise that we may not come home: tires, engines – there’s a lot of equipment out there that requires safety. Safety is critical when you have a dangerous job like we do on the ramp.” Aircraft maintenance personnel play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of air travel. Yet, as he points out: their work involves significant dangers, particularly when handling aircraft tires. These components, essential for safe take-offs and landings, can pose serious risks if not managed correctly. Strict safety protocols exist, and maintenance staff require comprehensive training.
The threat of tire explosions
One of the most significant hazards maintenance workers face is the risk of tire explosions. Aircraft tires are inflated to extremely high pressures, often over 200 psi, using nitrogen to reduce the risk of combustion. If these tires are improperly inflated or damaged, they can explode with catastrophic force, sending shrapnel flying at high speeds and posing a lethal threat to anyone nearby. The Delta incident is unfortunately not the first to have claimed lives – similar incidents have occurred at other airlines over the years, and in most of these cases, it appears that overinflation was the cause. Whether this is the case in the latest accident, will be determined by the investigation which is now under way. Such incidents highlight the critical importance of following proper procedures when handling high-pressure tires.
Heat-related hazards
Aircraft tires can become extremely hot during operations, especially after landing, due to the friction generated by braking. Maintenance personnel working near these overheated tires risk burns and other heat-related injuries. Also, if the tires are not allowed to cool properly before servicing, the increased temperature can compromise their structural integrity, potentially leading to blowouts or explosions. Usually, a timeframe of around 3 hours is advised to allow tires to cool down. As this incident happened very early in the morning, it would appear that heat was not the issue. Perhaps the tire was damaged and had developed a weak point. Foreign objects such as debris, metal fragments, or loose hardware on the runway can get lodged in tire treads, creating such weak points that may also trigger a blowout. Maintenance staff therefore need to be vigilant when inspecting tires for foreign objects, as these can cause significant damage if not detected and removed. In addition, regular runway inspections and debris removal are crucial to minimizing the risk of this kind of incident.
Other tire-related dangers
A blowout is not the only danger that maintenance staff are exposed to during tire inspections. The size and weight of aircraft tires present further challenges. Improper handling techniques or using incorrect tools can lead to crush injuries if a tire is dropped. Plus, if a tire is not installed correctly, it may fail during flight operations, posing significant risks not only to maintenance workers but also to passengers and crew.
Aircraft tires may contain hazardous materials – particularly those tires that have seen heavy use or damage. Maintenance personnel could be exposed to the chemicals used in tire manufacturing or residues from hydraulic fluids and other substances. Without proper protective equipment and handling procedures, this exposure can lead to health risks. It is therefore vital to provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and regular training on handling hazardous materials to safeguard workers’ health.
Ensure safety through protocols and training
Rigorous training in safety protocols is essential to preventing such accidents from happening. Using safety cages for tire inflation, for example, can protect workers from flying debris in the event of an explosion. Regular training on tire handling procedures, the correct use of inflation equipment, and recognizing signs of tire damage are crucial. Using nitrogen for inflation reduces the risk of combustion, while allowing tires to cool and monitoring their temperature during maintenance can prevent heat-related accidents.
By adhering to these safety measures, the aviation industry can better protect maintenance personnel and prevent the potentially devastating consequences of aircraft tire explosions, ensuring the continued safety and reliability of air travel and logistics.
