Locked Brakes Cause American Airlines Jet to Blow Tires at Chicago Airport
Chicago, Wednesday, 21 October 2026.
A Boeing 787 from Spain blew two tires during landing at Chicago O’Hare after its brakes locked up. All 245 passengers and crew were evacuated safely.
Flight 41 Makes Emergency Landing at O’Hare
On Tuesday, October 20, 2026, American Airlines Flight 41 encountered significant mechanical difficulties upon landing at Chicago O’Hare International Airport [1][2]. The flight, originating from Josep Tarradellas Barcelona-El Prat Airport in Spain, reported brake issues shortly before touchdown [1][4]. Federal Aviation Administration officials confirmed the crew reported a brake issue and a blown tire after landing safely around 2:30 p.m. local time [1][2]. Emergency vehicles responded to the scene immediately, surrounding the aircraft on the tarmac [1][5]. Passengers were evacuated via stairs and transported to the terminal by bus as a precautionary measure [2][4]. The incident occurred during a period of heightened scrutiny on commercial aviation safety operational standards [GPT].
Mechanical Failure and Aircraft Status
The aircraft involved was identified as a Boeing 787-800, carrying 234 customers and 11 crew members, totaling 245 individuals on board [1][3][5]. While initial reports varied, the Chicago Fire Department indicated that two tires were flat upon their arrival [1][5]. CBS Chicago reported that pilots suspected the brakes locked up, causing two tires to blow [4]. American Airlines confirmed the aircraft experienced a tire issue and has been taken out of service for inspection by its maintenance team [2][3]. The airline thanked team members for their professionalism and apologized to customers for the experience [3][5]. What caused the brake issue was not immediately clear according to authorities [1].
Passenger Safety and Ongoing Investigation
One person was taken to a local hospital in good condition following the incident [1][4]. There is conflicting information regarding the nature of this hospitalization; while some reports suggest an injury during landing, CBS News sources indicated the individual became ill during the flight and was not injured as a result of the landing [1][4][alert! ‘conflicting reports on injury cause’]. The Federal Aviation Administration stated it is investigating the incident [2][4]. This event follows a series of similar incidents at O’Hare, with at least four planes sustaining blown tires while taxiing or landing in a two-week span in August 2026 [4]. No further information was immediately released by authorities regarding the specific cause of the brake failure [1][5].