PAL’s Boeing 777 bursts tires on takeoff

Philippine Airlines confirms that a flight bound for Los Angeles, United States from Manila discontinued its takeoff on Friday night due to a “technical issue” —Inquirer files

MANILA, Philippines — A Philippine Air Lines (PAL) flight to Los Angeles was forced to abort its takeoff after bursting several of its rear tires at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) late Friday night.

According to Naia authorities, flight PR-102 was taking off at around 10:22 p.m. when the incident, known in aviation parlance as a “rejected takeoff” (RTO), occurred.

In an RTO, the pilot decides to abort the takeoff after initiating the takeoff roll but before the plane leaves the ground.

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The aircraft, a Boeing B777-300ER, stopped at the runway with Naia emergency vehicles following to the site.

A towbar and a service staircase were attached and after about an hour, the 361 passengers were safely deplaned.

PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna, in a statement, confirmed that PR 102 “discontinued its take-off due to a technical issue.” “PAL apologizes for the inconvenience caused by the incident,” she said. —Jerome Aning