What happened
On July 30, 2018, a Beechcraft G58, registration PP-LAV, was performing a private flight from Aruanã, Goiás, to the Fazenda Europa Aerodrome in Cocalinho, Mato Grosso. The aircraft was carrying a pilot and four passengers. During the landing phase at the private airstrip, the aircraft experienced a float after the initial touchdown.
Following the touchdown, the aircraft began drifting to the right. In an attempt to correct the deviation, the pilot applied the left brake and pedal. This action resulted in the wheels locking up, evidenced by localized wear on the tires and continuous braking marks extending 310 meters along the runway. The resulting tire bursts led to lateral oscillations that caused the right main landing gear actuator to deform and the locking mechanism to break, leading to the retraction of the right gear. The aircraft subsequently veered off the right side of the runway, traveling an additional 54 meters before coming to a stop. All five occupants were uninjured, and the aircraft sustained light damage.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the aircraft's maintenance records, the braking system, and the landing gear assembly. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft's airworthiness certificate and all maintenance logs for the airframe, engines, and propellers were up to date. The braking system showed no signs of mechanical malfunction, and the tire wear was consistent with wheel lock-up during operation.
Analysis of the landing gear revealed that the right main gear actuator was deformed and the lock was broken, which allowed the gear to retract. Investigators also calculated that the aircraft was operating significantly above its weight limits. At takeoff from Aruanã, the aircraft was 135 lbs above the maximum takeoff weight. By the time of the landing at Fazenda Europa, the aircraft was 165 lbs above the maximum allowable landing weight.
Findings
- The aircraft was landing with a weight 165 lbs above the maximum landing weight.
- Excessive use of braking commands led to wheel lock-up and tire bursts.
- The resulting lateral oscillations caused the structural failure of the right main landing gear lock and actuator deformation.
- The pilot's limited experience with this specific aircraft model may have influenced the decision-making process and control inputs.