[Graham F]

While watching from Shep's Hill today I heard a large explosive sound from the south, I assumed it came from a vehicle on General Holmes Drv. Just then UA840 came into view and the controller was heard asking the pilot if all was OK as there was excessive smoke coming from the wheels. The pilot said all was OK but the controller replied that there was a large amount of rubber on the runway and that the plane must have blown a tyre.
They immediately closed 34L and diverted a Saab on final to make a hasty change to 34R.
The 747 slowly taxied to the International Terminal where vehicles descended on it from all directions including the fire engines,etc. Other vehicles were despatched to clean up the runway. After about 30" all was OK and the runway reopened.
You never know what to expect on Shep's Hill!!
In situations like that, who would repair the wheel and how long would it take, hours, days?
I am sure the passengers heading for the US would not have been impressed.