What happened
On September 23, 2014, a Beechcraft 95-B55, registration PT-JTN, was performing a private agricultural flight from Porto de Moz, PA, to Chácara Maringá, PA. The aircraft was carrying a crew of one and five passengers.
Upon landing at the Chácara Maringá Aerodrome (SDWV), the pilot applied heavy braking pressure. This action caused the left main landing gear wheel to lock up, leading to a tire burst. Following the burst, the aircraft experienced a loss of directional control and veered to the left. As the aircraft exited the runway, the left main landing gear retracted due to the mechanical stress of the locked wheel combined with the uneven terrain on the left side of the runway. The aircraft eventually came to a stop after colliding with the aerodrome's perimeter fence. All 6 occupants escaped the incident without injury, though the aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical evidence left on the aircraft's landing gear and tires. Investigators examined marks on the left main tire, which were consistent with manufacturer specifications for a wheel lock-up event. The analysis determined that the braking force applied was excessive, causing the wheel to stop rotating while the aircraft was still in motion. The investigation also assessed the structural impact on the landing gear and the surrounding runway conditions to determine why the gear retracted during the excursion.
Findings
- The primary contributing factor was the application of excessive braking commands during the landing roll.
- The sudden lock-up of the left wheel caused a tire burst, resulting in the loss of directional control.
- The combination of the locked wheel and the irregular terrain on the left side of the runway caused the left main landing gear to collapse.
- The aircraft sustained damage to the left propeller blades, the left wing tip, and the main landing gear.