Boeing 737 cargo plane catches fire during landing at LAX

LOS ANGELES: A Boeing 737 cargo aircraft was involved in a frightening accident while landing at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

The aircraft had arrived from Phoenix at around 11pm when a problem developed with its landing gear as it touched down on the runway.

In radio communications with air traffic control, the pilot was heard saying that a tyre may have burst. The pilot also reported that it appeared the brakes had become stuck.

The aircraft reportedly experienced severe friction during the landing. Four of its rear tyres burst, triggering flames and sparks.

Videos recorded by people at the airport and surveillance cameras showed intense sparks and flames coming from beneath the aircraft’s left landing gear.

The aircraft continued to drag along the runway, leaving flames visible behind it as it moved.

Firefighters were immediately dispatched to the scene after the incident was reported.

Emergency crews sprayed firefighting foam on the burning tyres and managed to extinguish the flames.

Airport authorities subsequently closed the runway as emergency teams assessed the situation and inspected it for possible damage caused by the aircraft.

Despite the dramatic incident, no injuries among the aircraft’s crew were reported.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the incident.

Investigators are expected to examine the aircraft’s landing gear, tyres and braking system to determine what caused the failure.

Authorities will also review communications between the cockpit and air traffic control as part of the investigation.

The incident temporarily disrupted operations at the airport as officials responded to the emergency and assessed the condition of the runway.

Further details about the cause of the landing gear and braking problems are expected as the investigation progresses.