What happened
On January 5, 2025, at 04:06 local time, a BAE 1-46-200 aircraft was conducting a maintenance verification flight at Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCEL) in Chile. Shortly after takeoff, the crew encountered a "HIGH TEMP" warning related to the green hydraulic system. This failure had immediate operational consequences, including the loss of the landing gear system, airbrake functionality, nose wheel steering, and a reduction in flap extension speed.
Following standard Quick Reference Handbook (QRH) procedures, the crew managed to temporarily recover the green hydraulic system. However, during the approach for landing on runway 17R, the "HIGH TEMP" failure recurred. The crew subsequently executed a go-around and notified Air Traffic Control that the runway would be blocked following their eventual landing.
Upon landing on runway 17R, the pilot applied the brakes but noted insufficient deceleration. The aircraft began to drift left of the runway centerline and lost directional control. To regain control, the pilot was forced to activate the emergency yellow brake. The aircraft eventually came to a stop on the runway between taxiways U and W. All four occupants were uninjured, though the aircraft sustained damage.
The investigation
DGAC Chile investigators examined the aircraft and the site of the occurrence. The investigation included a visual inspection of the airframe, engines, and landing gear. While the fuselage, wings, and flight control surfaces showed no signs of damage, the landing gear components were heavily impacted. Specifically, the investigation focused on the main landing gear wheel assemblies.
Investigators also reviewed the flight data from the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) and Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR). The investigation noted that the anti-skid and brake ventilation switches were found in the "OFF" position. Maintenance records and the aircraft's logbook were also reviewed to assess the status of the hydraulic system and the recent daily checks performed on the day of the event.
Findings
- The primary cause of the excursion was the recurrence of the green hydraulic system high-temperature failure during the landing phase.
- The main landing gear tires exhibited significant damage, including wear, material loss, cuts, and tears in the tread.
- The four rims of the main landing gear showed evidence of heavy friction/rubbing against the runway surface.
- The aircraft experienced a loss of directional control and insufficient braking effectiveness due to the hydraulic system malfunction.
- The aircraft was operating under a maintenance verification flight profile.