What happened
The incident began during the takeoff roll when the inboard tire on the right landing gear failed catastrophically. The forces generated by the takeoff run subsequently destroyed both tires on the right side of the aircraft. As the aircraft climbed and passed through an altitude of 19,000 feet, the crew observed that the right hydraulic system indicated zero pressure and zero quantity. Later in the flight, during the approach to landing, the left hydraulic system also depleted completely. After the aircraft touched down, the left brakes locked up because the anti-skid system was not functioning.
The investigation
An examination of maintenance records revealed that no prior damage to the tire had been recorded. The operator's daily service inspection procedures explicitly required that tire pressure be checked using a tire gauge. Further review showed that two additional blown tires had occurred during takeoff from the same operator's station within a three-month period. Evidence of tire underinflation was discovered after this third incident.
Findings
The sequence of events indicates a failure to maintain proper tire inflation pressures despite specific procedural requirements. The repeated nature of these incidents suggests a systemic issue with maintenance practices at the operator's station. The loss of hydraulic pressure on both sides resulted from the initial tire failure, and the subsequent brake locking was a direct consequence of the inoperative anti-skid system.
Safety message
Strict adherence to daily service inspection procedures for tire pressure is critical. Operators must ensure that maintenance staff verify inflation levels using appropriate gauges to prevent recurring failures.