These three photographs document the damage to the F-16s wheel (top) and tire (middle). Most of the wheel damage occurred when it struck a slightly elevated lip in the runway pavement at around 100 knots, well after the tire had failed. Remains of the tire include its circular bead structure and what was found of its tread and sidewalls.
An F-16 experienced tire failure due to a FOD puncture (likely a screw), leading to subsequent wheel damage upon striking a runway lip.
Foreign Object Debris (FOD), originating from maintenance activities or construction, is a common cause of such failures and can be serious even for personal aircraft.
FOD incidents often peak in early spring (due to construction) and winter (snow/ice operations), highlighting the importance of effective tool control programs.
These three photographs document the damage to the F-16s wheel (top) and tire (middle). Most of the wheel damage occurred when it struck a slightly elevated lip in the runway pavement at around 100 knots, well after the tire had failed. Remains of the tire include its circular bead structure and what was found of its tread and sidewalls.
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