On August 3, 2024, an unusual incident occurred at Illizi Airport in Algeria, revealing chaos on an otherwise routine Tassili Airlines charter flight. The events surrounding a tire blowout on a De Havilland DHC-8 raise questions about safety and the potential consequences of technical failures.

Tassili Airlines, an Algerian airline that was supposed to transport workers to Oran on a charter contract for an oil company, experienced a serious incident. During the scheduled takeoff, several tires on the DHC-8 with the registration 7T-VCL burst. According to unconfirmed media reports, this tire burst set off a chain reaction that led to further serious damage.

Part of the burst tire was thrown onto the propellers of the DHC-8 by the force of the burst. This impact caused a propeller tip to break off. The broken propeller tip then hit a window of the aircraft and shattered it. Fortunately, no one was injured in this incident. The crew and passengers were unharmed, which puts the outcome of this dramatic event in a different light.

Safety procedures and chain reactions

The incident raises fundamental questions about aircraft safety procedures and maintenance. Tire blowouts are not uncommon in aviation, but they can have devastating consequences if not addressed in time. The fact that a piece of tire damaged the propeller and subsequently the window shows how a chain reaction can occur that can quickly spiral out of control.

According to [National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)](https://www.ntsb.gov), such incidents are rare but not unheard of in aviation. The likelihood of a tire blowout causing a chain reaction depends on several factors, including the speed of the aircraft during takeoff, the condition of the tires, and the maintenance of the propeller. The Tassili Airlines incident highlights the need for thorough inspection and maintenance of aircraft equipment to avoid such chain reactions.

The response to this incident is being closely monitored by several parties. The Algerian Aviation Authority is expected to launch a thorough investigation to determine the exact causes of the tire blowout and the impact on Tassili Airlines' safety procedures. Such investigations can provide important insights and help prevent future incidents.

Tassili Airlines is under pressure to ensure that its maintenance and safety protocols meet the highest standards. The airline must ensure that all technical defects are addressed and that crew are sufficiently trained to respond appropriately to unexpected situations.

The incident also has implications for public confidence in the safety standards of Tassili Airlines and the aviation industry as a whole. Passengers and other airlines will be watching closely to see how quickly and effectively the company responds to this incident and what measures are taken to prevent similar events in the future.

The tire blowout on Tassili Airlines' DHC-8 and the resulting chain reaction are an alarming example of the potential risks and challenges in the aviation industry. While fortunately no one was hurt, the incident highlights the need for continuous maintenance, safety checks and adherence to strict standards to ensure the safety of all involved. Investigating the incident will be crucial to learn lessons and minimise future risks.