American Airlines Flight Blows Two Tires at Chicago O’Hare

An American Airlines passenger jet arriving from Barcelona experienced a brake problem and tire failure after landing at Chicago O’Hare International Airport on Tuesday afternoon, October 20, 2026, prompting an emergency response. The Federal Aviation Administration said Flight 41 landed safely at approximately 2:30 p.m., and passengers were evacuated from the aircraft before being transported to the terminal by bus.

The Boeing 787-800 carried 234 passengers and 11 crew members, according to American Airlines and the FAA. The Chicago Fire Department initially reported that two tires were flat when emergency personnel reached the aircraft.

Authorities provided conflicting information about possible injuries. The FAA and American Airlines reported no injuries, while the Chicago Fire Department and local television station ABC7 reported that one person was taken to a hospital in good condition. Officials had not clarified whether that person was injured during the landing.

Air traffic control audio obtained by ABC News captured the pilot alerting controllers to a potential braking problem before the aircraft stopped on the runway.

"We've got a right brake that might be dragging."

The pilots declared an emergency and brought the aircraft to a stop on the runway, according to ABC News. Passengers subsequently exited using stairs on the tarmac and boarded buses to reach the terminal.

Passenger John Abbate described a forceful landing and a delay before the aircraft began disembarkation.

"It was real rough,"

Abbate told ABC News that the aircraft stopped near the end of the runway and remained stationary while passengers waited for an explanation. He said the captain subsequently announced that tires on the left side of the aircraft had blown.

"They stopped at the end of the runway and just stood there for a while, we're wondering why we weren't moving. And then the captain announced that there were some blown tires on the port side of the plane."

American Airlines confirmed that the aircraft would remain out of service while maintenance personnel inspected it. The airline also thanked employees for their response and apologized to passengers for the disruption.

"American Airlines flight 41 experienced a tire issue after landing safely at Chicago (ORD). Per procedure, first responders met the aircraft out of an abundance of caution and customers were transported safely to the terminal by bus. The aircraft has been taken out of service to be inspected by our maintenance team. We thank our team members for their professionalism and we apologize to our customers for their experience,"

The statement was issued by American Airlines in response to the incident. The airline did not provide further details about the mechanical problem.

The FAA said it was investigating the incident. Officials had not released a definitive explanation for the brake malfunction or the tire failures, and the aircraft remained withdrawn from service pending inspection.