Boeing 787 Dreamliner aborts takeoff after landing gear catches fire
- An Etihad Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aborted takeoff after the landing gear reportedly caught fire.
- Emergency services responded quickly, and all 289 passengers were safely evacuated without injury.
- The runway was closed for inspections but reopened the next morning, with the airline rebooking affected passengers.
In Australia on January 5, 2025, an Etihad Airways Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner experienced a critical incident shortly after beginning its takeoff from Melbourne Airport. Just as the aircraft was accelerating down the runway at approximately 7 p.m., the flight crew decided to abort the takeoff due to alarming technical issues. According to reports, the landing gear caught fire, leading to the bursting of two tires. Although alarming, the situation was handled competently, and the aircraft was brought to a stop safely on the runway, with emergency services dispatched as a precautionary measure. Fortunately, all 289 passengers were safely evacuated without injury. They were subsequently transported to the terminal via bus. The airport spokesperson confirmed prompt action was taken by emergency crews, who deployed firefighting foam to manage the fire risk. The aircraft had to be towed off the runway following the successful disembarkation of all passengers. Inspections were carried out before the runway was deemed clear and operational again, which occurred early on the following Monday morning. This incident raised concerns regarding the safety within Boeing's fleet, as the manufacturer is currently under investigation for separate reports linked to incorrectly installed fuselage fasteners on some undelivered 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The Federal Aviation Administration disclosed that Boeing had informed them about the potential improper installation of these crucial components, raising serious quality assurance issues in their production processes. Boeing's challenges have compounded significantly over recent years, particularly after facing scrutiny regarding other models, including the Boeing 737 Max. Following various crises, a recent incident involving a 737 Max where a door panel blew off in mid-flight heightened attention on safety protocols. While Boeing did not provide a direct comment regarding the aborted takeoff at Melbourne Airport, they deferred inquiries to Etihad Airways, indicating their focus on ongoing investigations and responses to past incidents. As of now, the airline is actively rebooking affected passengers on future flights following this incident.