Thai Airways International clarifies Tyre Burst in Melbourne

THAI's flight TG981, utilizing an Airbus A340-600 aircraft, on the route Bangkok - Melbourne, departed from Bangkok at 00.15 hours on 26 October 2005 and arrived in Melbourne, Australia, at 11.59 hours (local time). While approaching Melbourne International Airport, the main wheel no.1 burst resulting in a hydraulic blue system leak.

The tower control observed the incident and sent the airport safety fire crews to extinguish sparks in the undercarriage, resulting in smoke. At the time, the aircraft was on the runway in the process of taxiing as it had entered the taxiway. The tower control required the aircraft to be parked and sent a microbus to transport the 260 passengers and crew, who were transported to the terminal with no injuries. The aircraft concerned was not overly affected, the tyre was replaced, and the aircraft was towed to the hangar. THAI's Technical Department is currently investigating the aircraft concerned.

Flight TG982, on the route Melbourne - Bangkok, was cancelled as a result of the incident, as the flight was to be operated with the aircraft concerned with departure originally set for 16.20 hours (local time) and arrive in Bangkok at 22.40 hours, today (26 October 2005). The airline is sending the aircraft operating flight TG980, on the route Sydney - Melbourne - Phuket - Bangkok to transport passengers of flight TG982, with departure from Melbourne at 00.15 hours on 27 October (local time) and arrival in Bangkok at 08.30 hours on 27 October 2005.

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