RAF Voyager tanker in tyre blow out scare

The aircraft, engaged in the Red Flag aerial combat exercise in the US, encountered a tyre failure while reaching take-off speed on a runway in Nevada.

Despite the aircraft carrying a substantial load, including 80 tonnes of fuel, the crew initially only noticed minor vibrations and proceeded with the take-off, unaware of the tyre issue.

Subsequent to the take-off, the aircraft’s tyre pressure sensors reported faults with two tyres. The crew used the aircraft’s external cameras to assess the damage and also sought a visual inspection from a US Air Force F-16 fighter jet participating in the exercise.

Corporal Jaz Lawton, Cabin Supervisor on the flight, managed the situation in her first flight in charge of the cabin with passengers. She stated, “This was my first flight in charge of the cabin with passengers onboard. It was a shock to learn that the tyre had burst, but my training kicked in and I worked with the pilots and other crew to keep the passengers updated and reassure them.”

To address the tyre damage and mitigate risks during landing, the crew extended their flight time to reduce the aircraft’s weight and waited for all fighter jets involved in the exercise to land before the Voyager. Preparations were made with the US Air Force firefighters at Nellis Air Force Base for the aircraft’s landing.

The pilots successfully landed the Voyager, and the aircraft was promptly inspected by firefighters and deemed safe to taxi to its parking space at a reduced speed. The Captain of the Voyager reflected on the day’s events, expressing satisfaction with the team’s performance under pressure.

Following the incident, RAF engineers worked overnight to replace the affected wheels, ensuring the aircraft was ready for its operational duties in the exercise the next day. The incident demonstrated the crew’s training and coordination, as well as the importance of established safety measures in aviation operations.