Royal Air Force A330 MRTT suffers tire blow out during takeoff at 160 mph carrying 80 tonnes of fuel

A Royal Air Force Airbus A330-200MRTT Voyager experienced a main gear tire damage during take-off at Nellis while participating in an aerial combat exercise in the US known as Red Flag.

Initially, the crew felt some minor vibrations, however, they were unaware of the damage until they were airborne and the tire pressure sensors indicated faults.

The crew then contacted a US Air Force F-16 fighter jet on the exercise, to fly alongside and conduct a visual inspection. The Voyager captain and his crew then assessed the available information on the damage and planned how they could safely land the aircraft.

They extended their sortie to reduce weight and allow other aircraft to land before them.

All the fighter jets returned to base before the Voyager, as it might damage the runway when it landed. 

On landing, the RAF engineers replaced the wheels overnight so the Voyager could continue its exercise role the next day.

Images via RAF