Loganair ATR 72 Suffers Blown Tyre, Sparking Emergency Response at Aberdeen Airport

A Loganair ATR 72 incident on the runway at Aberdeen International Airport (ABZ) led to a temporary runway closure on Friday morning. The aircraft, a turboprop bound for Dublin, was preparing for departure around 10:05 am. Passengers were safely disembarked after the crew reported a technical problem with the plane.

Initial reports suggest the aircraft suffered a blown tyre during the departure phase. Images from the scene showed smoke billowing from the landing gear area. This prompted a swift response from the airport’s fire and rescue services. Fire crews were pictured hosing down the aircraft’s landing gear as a precaution.

Emergency Response and Operations Impact

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) was called to the scene at 10:17 am. Two appliances attended the Aberdeen Airport runway closure. The SFRS confirmed the stop message came in quickly at 10:41 am. This quick action helped ensure the safety of all involved.

Safety is always the primary concern in such aviation events. The crew’s decisive action to stop the takeoff was critical. The prompt attendance by fire services also mitigated any potential fire risk. All passengers were returned safely to the terminal. They were then cared for by the airline’s ground teams.

Flight Disruptions

The temporary closure of the runway caused some flight disruptions. Two incoming flights were diverted to Edinburgh Airport. These included a KLM arrival from Amsterdam and an Alicante service. The corresponding return KLM flight to Amsterdam was cancelled. However, normal operations resumed at Aberdeen Airport soon after the aircraft was moved. The affected Loganair Dublin flight eventually departed later that afternoon.

Aviation Safety Context

Incidents involving a blown tyre on takeoff are rare but serious. Aircraft tyres are engineered to withstand immense stress and high speeds. They are often inflated with nitrogen to reduce fire risk.

Pilot training includes detailed emergency response procedures for tyre bursts. If a burst occurs at low speed, pilots typically abort the takeoff. The ATR 72 is a popular regional aircraft built by Avions de Transport Régional. Its operators follow strict maintenance and safety protocols. The aircraft will now undergo a full inspection at the Loganair hangar. This will determine the exact cause of the aircraft technical problem.

This event highlights the effectiveness of airport and airline emergency plans. It also shows the importance of quick crew response. Aviation stakeholders rely on robust systems to manage such unexpected events. For more commercial aviation news, visit flying.flights.