Blown tires
Blown tires are difficult to determine from the cabin but may be evidenced by what appears to be the sound of a mini-explosion. During takeoff or landing, blown tires may cause the aircraft to veer left or right, depending on the tire that failed and/or the number of tires on that landing gear or nose gear. Most occurrences of blown tires will not develop into an emergency situation. Sometimes, no one will even be aware that a tire failed until the tire is inspected after arrival at the gate at the destination airport.
Typically, a blown tire doesn’t amount to much from a safety standpoint An evacuation of passengers is unlikely from such an occurrence. However, in some cases, when the captain becomes aware of a blown tire during the takeoff roll, the captain will likely abort the takeoff, which may lead to a potential brake overheat and a subsequent brake fire. There is also potential for structural damage to the aircraft, particularly the underside of the wing from the impact of rubber fragments.
Flight attendant procedure:
- Remain seated and belted at assigned exits.
- Explain the situation to the passengers.
- Monitor passenger behavior and be prepared to control the situation if someone overreacts.
- If a passenger attempts to start an unwarranted evacuation, be ready to shout commands to “STOP!” the passenger or others from exiting the plane.
- Be prepared for a possible evacuation commanded by the PIC.
NOTE: Ground personnel are able to determine the extent of damage, if any, caused by a tire blowout. Flight attendants themselves cannot do anything regarding this event other than to ensure calm and prevent any passenger from having an overreaction and then attempting to get out of the aircraft.
Engine compressor stall
Occasionally an engine may make a loud noise similar to an automobile backfire. This is caused by an interruption of air through the compressor section of the engine. The disrupted airflow causes strange combustion patterns, visible outside the engine as a fireball. A sound similar to an explosion will also be heard. The aircraft may lurch due to the interruption of engine synchronization. Often, once the stall is cleared out the engine will continue to run and produce thrust. Compressor stalls happen infrequently, however, the possibility of encountering one is greater during the departure roll than during cruise flight.
Flight attendant procedure:
- Notify the Captain.
- Explain the situation to the passengers in a calm and reassuring manner.
- Monitor the passengers.
Engine shutdown during flight
If a mechanical malfunction or engine fire should occur, the engine may need to be shut down. The PIC may decide to make an unscheduled landing. The PIC will decide what type of cabin preparation is required (normal or emergency) and an announcement will be made to advise the passengers of the change of destination if necessary.
Flight attendant procedure:
- Follow the PIC’s instructions.
- Monitor passengers.
Engine/APU torching
On occasion, an engine or auxiliary power unit (APU) will exhaust flame/smoke when starting. This may also occur during landing when the engines are being engaged in reverse thrust. An engine torching situation can be appropriately dealt with from the flight deck. Torching from an engine or APU exhaust is not normally a serious problem and does not necessarily require deplaning or an evacuation.
Flight attendant procedure:
- Inform the Captain.
- Explain the situation to the passengers in a calm and reassuring manner.
- Monitor passengers.
Fuel dumping
Due to a mechanical or emergency situation, the Captain may need to make an unscheduled landing. Aircraft have a maximum allowable landing weight and should this weight be exceeded, the method of weight reduction is through fuel dumping. On aircraft that have fuel dumping capability, fuel will be seen spraying out of the wing jettison valves. Typically, fuel dumping capabilities are only on large, wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing B777, B787, Airbus A350, and A380.
Flight attendant procedure:
- The Captain may make an announcement advising the passengers of the situation.
- The No Smoking will remain illuminated; continuously enforce. If the Fasten Seatbelt sign is illuminated, ensure passengers comply.
- Continually monitor the cabin for passengers smoking.
- Report the smell of excessive fumes in the cabin to the PIC immediately.
- All non-essential electrical equipment must be turned off.