Boeing 737‑800 MAX (Reg. A4O‑ML), operated by Oman Air (Flight WY 815)
Year: 2025
A tyre failure on the left main gear during takeoff caused loss of hydraulics on an Oman Air 737 MAX. Despite crew awareness, the aircraft continued to climb and returned safely to Muscat after dumping fuel. The runway was later inspected, revealing tyre debris and hydraulic damage. No injuries were reported.
1.Sequence of Events
The aircraft commenced takeoff from Muscat International Airport, climbing when a low-pressure hydraulic warning illuminated and tyre #1 burst. The adjacent tyre #2 overheated and failed, generating fire in the wheel well and hydraulic system damage.
2. Crew Response & Technical Factors
- The pilots recognized abnormal indications but lacked sufficient warning systems to trigger a take-off rejection. They continued, retracted gear, and entered a holding pattern to burn off fuel before returning and landing at higher speed.
3. Damage Assessment
- Wheel remnants embedded in the wing flap; fire spread through hydraulic and fuel systems, eventually breaching the cabin floor. Total equipment damage led to aircraft tow-off after landing.
4. Root Causes & Safety Gaps
- Likely debris strike on runway caused initial tyre failure. Independent tyre inspection protocols were inadequate. Flight crew training lacked emphasis on tyre failure scenarios. Communication between the operator’s control centers and crew was limited, restricting decision-making.
5. Safety Recommendations
- Include runway debris detection, improved tyre pressure monitoring, enhanced crew training on tyre failure, installation of alerting systems, and clearer communication protocols with operations and OCC/MCC teams.
