What happened
On April 27, 2018, a Cessna 208B, registration PR-VAL, was performing a private passenger flight from Carajás (SBCJ) to Ourilândia do Norte (SDOW) in Pará, Brazil. The aircraft was carrying two pilots and eight passengers.
Upon landing at SDOW, the crew applied the brakes and reverse thrust. During the landing roll, the aircraft began to veer to the left. Despite the pilot applying maximum right rudder, the aircraft could not be maintained on the centerline, eventually exiting the left side of the runway. The left main landing gear stopped approximately one meter outside the runway pavement. All ten occupants were uninjured, though the aircraft sustained minor damage.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the aircraft and the landing gear assembly. During the disassembly of the left main wheel, investigators discovered that the inner tube exhibited unusual symmetrical marks, small punctures, and signs of wear on the internal diameter, which had caused air leakage.
Two hypotheses were considered regarding the tire deflation: improper inflation pressure during maintenance or damage caused by debris on the porous runway surface at SDOW. However, because the aircraft was moved and repaired before SIPAER investigators could arrive at the scene, the exact cause of the tire deflation could not be definitively established. The investigation also noted that the aircraft's maintenance records, including the recent 100-hour inspection, were up to date and the aircraft was within weight and balance limits.
Findings
- The left main landing gear tire was deflated at the time of the excursion.
- The exact cause of the tire deflation remains undetermined due to the lack of preservation of evidence at the scene.
- The aircraft was moved and repaired prior to the arrival of the investigation authority.
- The pilots were properly qualified, licensed, and medically certified.