What happened
On March 23, 2013, an Embraer EMB-202A, registration PT-VVK, was performing an agricultural spraying operation at Fazenda Primavera in Ribas do Rio Pardo, Mato Grosso do Sul. The aircraft departed from an improvised landing strip on the farm to return for refueling.
Upon touching down on the runway, the pilot experienced a violent tendency for the aircraft to veer to the left toward a nearby fence. In an attempt to correct the aircraft's alignment with the runway centerline, the pilot shut down the engine and applied differential braking. Approximately 400 meters into the landing roll, the aircraft struck the ground, resulting in a ground excursion. The pilot was able to exit the aircraft unharmed.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical state of the landing gear and the pilot's pre-flight procedures. Investigators examined the left tire and discovered that the tire had rotated relative to the wheel and was missing its inflation valve. The investigation also considered the possibility of a punctured or torn inner tube, which could have led to a loss of pressure.
While the aircraft was within weight and balance limits and the meteorological conditions were favorable, the investigation noted that the pilot did not perform a pre-flight external inspection of the aircraft prior to the flight. It could not be determined if the tire was already underinflated at the time of takeoff.
Findings
- The left tire was deflated and missing its inflation valve.
- The pilot failed to perform a pre-flight external inspection of the aircraft.
- The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the landing gear, wings, propeller, and vertical stabilizer.