Tire Problem Causes Headache For Airline Passengers

FT. LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) – Airport check-ins, security check points and heavy luggage are all part of the typical flying experience. For passengers aboard a CanJet 737 at Ft. Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport, their experience was a bit more intense.

Travelers flying in from Montreal were in for an abrupt welcome this afternoon when tire problems prevented the plane from making it to the terminal.

One of the two front wheels appeared to have partially separated from the wheel hub, causing the tire to burst, said airport spokesman Gregory Meyer.

Passenger said they thought there was a problem when the plane landed.

"I said to my wife immediately, 'Is there wind'," said passenger George Panagolpolis. "I thought he was going to land and scrape the wing, but thankfully, he didn't and leveled it off at the last minute and just braked really hard."

"I thought that he was coming in a little fast," said Michelle Masse, "and I felt pushed forward and I was surprised that it was not a usual landing."

The tire problem left 188 passengers startled as they were transported back to the terminal by bus.

No one was injured during the incident. The plane suffered minor damage and was stuck on a taxiway where it was to undergo repairs.