What happened
On October 24, 2007, at approximately 21:20 UTC, a Boeing B-737-230, registration OB-1837-P, operated by Aero Condor S.A.C., was performing a takeoff from runway 02 at the Captain FAP David Abenzur Rengifo International Airport in Pucallpa, Peru.
As the aircraft reached a speed of 110 knots after traveling approximately 903 meters, the pilot initiated an aborted takeoff. The decision followed a sudden impact, an explosion, a rightward tilt of the aircraft, and intense vibrations. Following the aborted takeoff, the aircraft came to a stop near the intersection of runway 02 and taxiway B. During the sequence, tire number 3 deflated, followed by tires number 2 and 4, which ultimately blocked the airport runway.
There were no fatalities and no injuries among the 114 passengers and 6 crew members on board. The aircraft sustained damage to the right inboard flap, the right landing gear door, and the misalignment of the right gear door indicator due to the failure of tire number 4.
The investigation
The CIAA investigation focused on the mechanical failure of the landing gear components. Investigators examined the maintenance records of Aero Condor S.A.C. and its maintenance workshop (TMA N° 015). The investigation scrutinized the procurement, handling, and installation processes of the aircraft's tires. The inquiry also reviewed the airport's emergency response capabilities, noting that while the fire service responded promptly, the airport lacked an approved Emergency Plan to coordinate the movement of disabled aircraft blocking active runways.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the explosion of tire number 4 on the main landing gear, which occurred because the tire was installed using parameters that did not meet the manufacturer's technical specifications.
- The aircraft was fitted with a tire featuring an incorrect part number that was not authorized by the Boeing Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC) for the B-737-230 model.
- The operator's maintenance system failed to detect the non-compliant part during the stages of reception, storage, or installation.
- The maintenance workshop (TMA N° 015) failed to identify that the installed tire did not meet the required technical specifications during inspection and delivery.