Occurrence
On 4 August 2017, a de Havilland Dash 8-202 aircraft registered P2-ANK, operated by Link PNG on behalf of Air Niugini, was conducting a scheduled commercial flight from Port Moresby to Tari. The aircraft departed from Jacksons International Airport at 23:04 UTC. While climbing through 20,000 ft approximately 39 nm west-northwest of Port Moresby, both pilots heard a bang and felt a shudder. The copilot initially suspected an engine failure, but engine instruments indicated normal operation. He then observed an illuminated advisory light for the left main landing gear door, indicating it was not closed. The flight attendant confirmed that the left main landing gear door was open.
The crew coordinated with air traffic control and decided to return to Port Moresby. They reduced speed and descended below 15,000 ft as a precaution. After burning off excess fuel to reach a landing weight of 15,650 kg, they lowered the landing gear, which indicated three green lights (gear down and locked). The aircraft landed safely on runway 14L at 00:46 UTC. Post-landing inspection revealed that the left main landing gear number-two tyre had deflated and was damaged. The tyre burst had caused substantial damage to the main structure inside the nacelle, and panels aft of the left exhaust nacelle were missing. It was determined that the bang heard in flight was the tyre exploding.
Aircraft and Crew
The aircraft was a de Havilland Dash 8-202, registration P2-ANK, owned by Air Niugini and operated by Link PNG. It had 28 passengers, two pilots, and one flight attendant on board. None reported injuries. The pilot-in-command held an Australian ATPL with 25,000 total hours including 5,000 on type. The copilot held a PNG CPL with 1,257 total hours, over 1,000 on type. The flight attendant was a PNG citizen. All were uninjured.
Weather
At the time of the occurrence, the area forecast indicated wind variable at 3 knots, clear skies, visibility exceeding 10 km, with few clouds at 1,800 ft and scattered clouds at 4,000 ft.
Investigation
The Accident Investigation Commission (AIC) was notified and commenced an investigation. The AIC examined the aircraft, downloaded flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder data, and quarantined the wheel assembly. Non-destructive testing of the hub assembly found no cracks, and the hub was certified serviceable. The tyre was sent to the manufacturer for analysis. The investigation did not state a probable cause.
Damage
The left main landing gear number-two tyre burst in flight, causing substantial damage to the main structure on the inside of the nacelle. Panels aft of the left exhaust nacelle were missing, having been lost at sea. The right nacelle remained intact.