¿Por qué un avión puede romperse un neumático?

Aircraft tire blowouts are rare but well-documented occurrences in aviation, and the recent incident involving an Air France flight landing at Split Airport highlights this phenomenon. On August 1, 2026, at approximately 20:43 local time, an Airbus operated by Iberia suffered a tire burst during its landing approach. The aircraft, carrying 172 passengers and six crew members, landed safely with no injuries reported. An official investigation will determine the exact cause of the tire failure, which occurred on the front landing gear strut. The incident took place at Split Airport, located in Croatia, and involved an Airbus model typically used for medium-haul routes. According to reports, the plane was following standard procedures during its descent and had already initiated its final approach before the tire issue arose. Despite the dramatic nature of the event, aviation experts emphasize that such incidents are part of the known risks associated with commercial aviation, and modern aircraft are designed to handle them effectively. Tire failures on airplanes are uncommon due to the high durability of aircraft tires, which are engineered to withstand extreme conditions. However, each landing subjects these tires to immense forces. During touchdown, the wheels, either stationary or rotating very slowly before contact, suddenly accelerate to speeds exceeding 200 kilometers per hour. At the same moment, they must support the weight of the entire aircraft, which can exceed several tons in passenger planes. There are multiple potential causes for a tire blowout. One common factor is natural wear over time. Aircraft tires undergo regular inspections and replacements, yet prolonged use can degrade their structural integrity. Another possible cause is damage caused by foreign objects on the runway, such as metal fragments, stones, or other debris. Runway maintenance teams routinely inspect and clear runways to remove such hazards. High temperatures can also contribute to tire failure. During summer months, asphalt surfaces can reach temperatures above 50 degrees Celsius, and additional heat is generated through heavy braking after landing. If a tire is already weakened or damaged, these conditions can increase the likelihood of a blowout. Improper inflation pressure is another risk factor. Underinflated or overinflated tires experience greater stress during landings, prompting manufacturers to enforce strict inspection protocols prior to each flight. Despite the alarming appearance of a tire blowout, such an event rarely poses a serious threat to passengers. Commercial aircraft are equipped with multiple landing gears, allowing them to stop safely even if one tire fails. Crew members receive extensive training to manage such situations, and predefined emergency procedures ensure both safe deceleration and passenger evacuation if necessary. In the case of the Airbus Iberia incident at Split, the investigation will examine the condition of the aircraft’s tires, the state of the runway surface, and all relevant operational data from the flight. This thorough analysis aims to identify whether the failure was due to mechanical issues, environmental factors, or external influences. Until the findings are released, the incident serves as a reminder of the complex interplay of variables that affect air travel safety.