Why do airplane tires cause smoke at touchdown?

As soon as the tires of an aircraft touch the ground on landing, smoke appears. But what exactly causes this phenomenon? In the "Ask the Expert" section, we explore the question with our expert Ines Eckstein, aircraft engineer at SWISS Technics.

Flying is fascinating! Aviation is as varied as the destinations SWISS flies to. And the numerous unanswered questions and myths about flying are at least as varied and exciting. In the "Ask the Expert" section, we get to the bottom of the facts and offer simple explanations to the big questions. Our experts know the answer to (almost) everything!

Why does smoke occur when an airplane lands?

Do you have an exciting question of your own? We look forward to your input with the subject "Ask the Expert" to swissmagazine@swiss.com

Text & video: Reto Hoffmann, Mario Schuler

Publication: 02.05.2024