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Passengers on a LATAM Airlines Boeing 767 arriving in Atlanta on Tuesday night faced a frightening end to their long-haul journey when multiple landing-gear tires blew out and partially melted during landing, triggering an emergency response on the runway and cascading delays for connecting flights at the world’s busiest airport.

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Hard Landing From Lima Ends in Tire Failures on Runway 26R

The incident occurred on January 6, 2026, when LATAM Airlines flight LA2482 from Lima, Peru, touched down at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. The Boeing 767-300ER, carrying more than 200 passengers, reportedly experienced a hard landing on Runway 26R that led to the failure of the aircraft’s main landing-gear tires.

Initial reports from airport and aviation sources indicate that all eight main gear tires burst upon touchdown, leaving the widebody jet disabled on the runway. Images shared by passengers and aviation observers show the main wheels resting on shredded rubber, with some tires appearing deformed and partially melted. The aircraft came to a stop on the runway and remained there for an extended period as emergency teams moved in.

Hartsfield-Jackson, consistently ranked as the world’s busiest airport by passenger traffic, briefly shifted operations while the disabled jet was secured and later towed from the runway. While arriving and departing flights continued using other runways, the unplanned runway closure contributed to delays and missed connections across the evening departure banks.

“Terrifying” Moments in the Cabin as Plane Struggled to Slow

Several passengers described a routine arrival that turned suddenly alarming in the final seconds before touchdown. After what they characterized as a turbulent approach into Atlanta, travelers reported a jarring impact with the runway followed by a loud series of bangs and vibration as the aircraft decelerated.

One passenger said it felt as though the jet was traveling faster than usual during the rollout and initially did not seem to be slowing as expected, raising fears that the plane might overrun the runway. Others recalled the distinct smell of burning rubber inside the cabin and said they could feel shuddering through the floor as the tires failed.

Inside the cabin, the force of the landing and subsequent braking reportedly caused overhead bins to spring open and at least one lavatory door to come off its hinges. Photos and videos shared after the incident show interior panels dislodged and insulation visible in certain sections, reinforcing accounts of a particularly rough arrival.

While passengers remained seated, the cabin grew uncomfortably warm, prompting some travelers to stand in the aisle after the aircraft came to a stop. Flight attendants repeatedly instructed passengers to stay calm as the cockpit crew coordinated with ground responders and airport operations on next steps.

Runway Response: Fire Crews, Inspections and Long Waits on Board

Within moments of the landing, airport fire and rescue units surrounded the Boeing 767, as is standard protocol whenever landing-gear or tire failures are suspected. Firefighters inspected the tires, wheels and brake assemblies for signs of fire or fuel leaks, while additional vehicles took up positions around the aircraft as a precaution.

Authorities later confirmed that no fire broke out and no fuel leak was detected, but the extent of tire damage and the aircraft’s position on the runway required careful handling. The plane remained immobilized on Runway 26R for several hours while crews assessed its condition and coordinated a tow to a remote stand for further inspection.

Passengers reported remaining on board for close to two hours before being allowed to disembark via mobile stairs onto the tarmac. From there, they boarded buses that transported them back to the terminal, where airline staff began the process of rebooking missed connections and arranging accommodations for those unable to travel onward that night.

The extended wait on board, coupled with limited information in the early minutes after the landing, added to the tension for some travelers. Others praised the calm demeanor of the cabin crew and the visible presence of emergency vehicles outside as reassuring signs that the situation was under control.

LATAM, FAA and Boeing: What Officials Are Saying

LATAM Airlines issued a statement acknowledging what it described as a “technical incident” during the arrival of flight LA2482 and confirmed that the event remains under investigation. The carrier said the aircraft would undergo a full inspection before returning to service and stressed that passenger and crew safety is its top priority.

The Federal Aviation Administration opened a standard incident inquiry, noting that the tires blew out after the jet had landed safely in Atlanta. Investigators will review cockpit data, maintenance records, weather conditions and crew reports to determine what caused the combination of a hard landing and multiple tire failures.

Boeing, manufacturer of the 767-300ER involved, had not issued a detailed public statement by Wednesday but is expected to support the investigation. The aircraft type has a long service history across airlines worldwide, and major tire blowouts involving all main gear wheels are considered rare, underscoring the importance of identifying any underlying mechanical, operational or environmental factors.

Delta Air Lines, which maintains a codeshare partnership with LATAM on certain routes, clarified that although the flight carried a Delta code, it was operated entirely by LATAM, using its own aircraft and crew. Delta said it was assisting affected customers with rebooking but emphasized that the operation and safety of the specific flight lay with its South American partner.

Impact on Operations and Passengers at the World’s Busiest Hub

Even a single runway disruption at Hartsfield-Jackson can ripple across the global air travel network, and Tuesday night’s incident was no exception. With the Boeing 767 stalled on Runway 26R, air traffic controllers temporarily relied more heavily on the airport’s other runways, reconfiguring arrival and departure patterns to maintain traffic flow.

For travelers on LA2482, the most immediate impact was the loss of onward connections, particularly for those bound for domestic destinations across the United States. Several passengers reported missing last flights of the evening to cities such as New York, Chicago and smaller regional markets, forcing them to stay overnight in Atlanta.

Airlines worked late into the night to rebook disrupted passengers and reroute baggage, while some flights experienced departure delays as they awaited aircraft or crews displaced by the runway event. Operations gradually normalized as the disabled aircraft was towed away and Runway 26R was inspected and returned to service.

Airport officials said there were no significant injuries and only minimal infrastructure damage on the runway itself, which helped limit the duration and severity of the disruption. However, travelers arriving or departing during the evening hours were advised to check with their airlines regarding updated schedules and connection times.

Safety Context: How Unusual Are Tire Blowouts on Landing?

Commercial jetliners such as the Boeing 767 are designed with multiple wheels and tires on each main landing gear assembly to distribute the enormous loads generated at touchdown and during braking. Tires are highly engineered components, built to withstand heavy impacts, rapid acceleration and deceleration, and high temperatures.

Isolated tire failures or flat spots can occur during particularly hard landings or rejected takeoffs, but incidents in which all or nearly all main gear tires blow out are relatively rare. When they do occur, it is often the result of a combination of factors, such as excessive sink rate on landing, high landing weight, crosswinds, runway surface conditions or potential issues within the braking system.

Pilots receive extensive training on managing abnormal situations on landing, including handling suspected tire or brake problems. In many cases, the primary goal is to keep the aircraft tracking straight on the runway while decelerating safely, then stopping as soon as practical to allow emergency responders to assess the situation.

Although Tuesday’s incident was frightening for those on board, aviation safety experts note that the outcome, with no reported injuries and the aircraft stopping on the runway, is consistent with how modern airliner design and emergency procedures are intended to protect passengers when components fail under stress.

What Comes Next for Travelers and the Investigation

In the coming days, investigators and airline engineers will likely focus on several key questions: the aircraft’s speed and descent rate at touchdown, brake system performance, tire condition before landing, and any system alerts received in the cockpit. Weather at the time, including low cloud ceilings reported around the airport, may also be examined as part of the broader operational context.

Depending on what investigators find, the outcome could range from a determination that the event was an isolated operational occurrence to recommendations for changes in maintenance practices, landing procedures or component inspections. In some cases, manufacturers and regulators issue service bulletins or advisories if they identify technical vulnerabilities that could affect other aircraft.

For travelers, the more immediate concern centers on confidence in flying on similar aircraft and routes. Industry data consistently show that commercial aviation remains one of the safest modes of transportation, with modern jets built to tolerate significant component failures without loss of control.

Nonetheless, high-profile incidents such as this one often prompt renewed scrutiny from the flying public, especially when dramatic images of damaged aircraft and emergency vehicles circulate widely.

LATAM and airport officials have encouraged passengers who were on the affected flight to reach out with any concerns or to file reports that may assist investigators in reconstructing the timeline and conditions inside the cabin. Their firsthand accounts, coupled with data from the aircraft’s flight recorders, will play an important role in building a comprehensive picture of what happened in those tense moments after touchdown.

FAQ

Q1: What exactly happened to the Boeing 767 landing in Atlanta?
A LATAM Airlines Boeing 767-300ER arriving from Lima experienced a hard landing at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, during which its main landing-gear tires blew out and some appeared to partially melt, leaving the aircraft disabled on the runway as emergency crews responded.

Q2: Were any passengers or crew members injured?
Authorities and the airline reported no serious injuries. Although passengers described the landing as terrifying and some cabin fixtures were damaged, all on board were able to disembark safely after the aircraft came to a stop.

Q3: How long were passengers stuck on the plane after landing?
Several passengers said they remained on the aircraft for close to two hours while emergency responders inspected the aircraft and airport staff arranged mobile stairs and buses to transport everyone back to the terminal.

Q4: Did this incident cause major flight delays at Atlanta’s airport?
The disabled aircraft temporarily closed Runway 26R, prompting air traffic controllers to reroute arrivals and departures to other runways. The disruption contributed to delays and missed connections for some travelers, but overall airport operations continued and gradually returned to normal once the runway was cleared.

Q5: What is known about the cause of the tire blowouts?
The precise cause has not yet been determined. Investigators are examining factors such as the severity of the landing, aircraft speed and weight, tire and brake condition, and weather at the time. LATAM has described the event as a technical incident that remains under investigation.

Q6: Is the Boeing 767 considered a safe aircraft to fly?
The Boeing 767 family has been in commercial service for decades and has a strong overall safety record across airlines worldwide. Tuesday’s event is being treated as an isolated incident until investigators determine whether any broader technical or operational issues played a role.

Q7: What happens to an aircraft after a landing incident like this?
After passengers and crew are safely removed, the aircraft is typically towed to a remote stand or maintenance facility. It then undergoes a detailed inspection of its landing gear, tires, brakes, structure and systems before any decision is made about repairs and eventual return to service.

Q8: Will passengers on this flight receive compensation?
Compensation policies vary by airline and jurisdiction. In situations involving significant delays, missed connections or overnight stays, airlines often provide hotel accommodations, meals and rebooking assistance. Some passengers may also pursue additional claims directly with the carrier depending on their circumstances.

Q9: How common are tire blowouts during airliner landings?
Individual tire failures can occur, particularly during hard landings, but events in which all or nearly all main landing-gear tires blow out are rare. Modern airliners are engineered with redundancy in their landing gear and braking systems to maintain control even when tires fail.

Q10: Should travelers be worried about flying into or out of Atlanta after this incident?
There is no indication that the incident reflects a systemic safety issue at Atlanta’s airport. The event involved a specific aircraft and flight, and operations at the hub have continued with only temporary disruptions. For most travelers, the impact is limited to potential delays or rebookings rather than any increased safety risk.