Occurrence
On 19 July 2017, a Diamond DA 42MPP aircraft, registered YR-XXA, operated by Primul Meridian SRL, took off from Craiova International Airport for a photogrammetry mission near Petroșani City. After a four-hour flight, the pilot initiated landing maneuvers. At 10:37 local time (07:37 UTC), the aircraft landed on the same runway. The landing was normal. After touchdown, the aircraft rolled approximately 300 meters when the main left landing gear tire burst, causing the aircraft to veer left. The pilot attempted to maintain directional control, but after another 150 meters, the aircraft exited the runway by about 10 meters onto the adjacent grass surface.
Aircraft and Crew Information
The aircraft was a Diamond DA 42MPP, serial number 42272, with 2,438 operating hours. It held a valid airworthiness certificate and had been maintained per the approved schedule. The crew consisted of two persons: a pilot and a camera operator. Both were uninjured. The pilot held a valid MEP license and medical certificate.
Meteorological and Airport Conditions
The METAR at the time of the incident (07:30 UTC) reported wind from 170° at 2 knots, visibility over 10 km, temperature 26°C, and atmospheric pressure 1020 hPa. Craiova International Airport has a concrete runway 09/27, 2,500 m long and 45 m wide, at an elevation of 191 m (626 ft).
Damage
The aircraft sustained minor damage: the left main landing gear tire burst and the left engine propeller blades showed impact marks on the tips.
Investigation Findings
Post-incident inspection of the tires found them within acceptable wear limits as specified in the maintenance manual. Detailed checks and tests of the braking system revealed no malfunctions. The investigation examined several possible scenarios for the wheel blockage, such as temporary brake system malfunction, slight braking on touchdown, or firm second braking, but none could be substantiated. The cause of the left wheel blockage could not be determined with certainty.
Cause
The cause of the serious incident was the left tire burst as a consequence of temporary wheel blockage. The cause of the wheel blockage could not be determined. No safety recommendations were issued.