A packed Boeing 737-800 passenger jet was forced to make a dramatic emergency landing in Sweden on Thursday after one of its tyres violently exploded during takeoff.
The Norwegian Air Shuttle flight, carrying 181 passengers and crew from Gothenburg to Crete, had just become airborne when pilots were alerted to a serious issue with the aircraft's landing gear.
Eyewitnesses on the ground reported hearing a loud 'bang' and seeing debris falling from the aircraft as it ascended from Landvetter Airport.
The pilots immediately declared an emergency, dumping fuel over the sea to reduce the aircraft's weight before executing a high-stakes return to the airport.
Emergency services, including fire engines and ambulances, were placed on full alert and lined the runway as the crippled aircraft made its approach.
'We could see the damaged wheel clearly as it came in to land,' one airport worker stated. 'The pilots did an incredible job getting it down safely.'
The aircraft touched down without further incident, and all passengers were evacuated safely via the inflatable slides. No injuries were reported amongst the 177 passengers and 6 crew members on board.
Passengers were initially left waiting on the tarmac before being escorted back to the terminal, shaken but relieved. The airport's operations were temporarily disrupted as authorities closed the runway for inspection and to clear debris.
A full investigation into the cause of the tyre failure is now underway by both the airline and Swedish aviation authorities. The incident is the latest in a series of setbacks for Boeing, putting a renewed spotlight on aircraft safety and maintenance protocols.
