What happened
On April 15, 2015, a Piper PA-3/4-220T, registration PR-YZW, was performing a private transport flight from Porto Nacional to Palmas, Brazil. During the landing roll at Palmas Airport (SBPJ), the aircraft experienced a burst of the left main landing gear tire. This failure caused the pilot to lose directional control, leading the aircraft to veer left and exit the runway boundaries. The aircraft traveled approximately 250 meters before coming to a complete stop. The pilot was uninjured, and the aircraft sustained minor damage to the left main landing gear wheel.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the flight parameters and the physical condition of the aircraft. The investigation established that the approach to runway 14 was unstabilized, characterized by an excessive approach speed and a high glide slope. Additionally, the pilot had configured the aircraft with only 10° of flaps, whereas the checklist for the PA-34-220T recommends 40° for landing. This configuration contributed to excessive floating during the flare, resulting in the touchdown occurring beyond the 1,000ft safety mark.
Upon touchdown, the pilot applied heavy braking pressure. Analysis of the tire revealed oval-shaped wear patterns on the tread and a carcass rupture, which indicated that the wheels had locked due to excessive braking force. The investigation ruled out any mechanical failure of the braking system itself, as the brakes showed normal coloration and the wheels were rotating freely after the incident.
Findings
- The final approach was unstabilized due to excessive airspeed and a high descent angle.
- The aircraft was configured with 10° of flaps instead of the recommended 40°.
- The touchdown occurred late, past the 1,000ft safety marker.
- Excessive application of brakes led to wheel lock-up and the subsequent burst of the left main tire.
- The pilot's loss of directional control resulted in the aircraft exiting the left side of the runway.