What happened
On September 2, 2009, a Piper PA-18-150, registration PT-KGX, was performing a repositioning flight from Aeródromo Nacional de Aviação (SWNV) to Aeródromo Santa Genovelar (SBGO) in Goiânia, Brazil. The aircraft was carrying a pilot and one passenger.
Upon landing on runway 32 at SBGO, the aircraft experienced a sudden deflation of the right main landing gear tire during the landing roll. This loss of pressure caused the aircraft to veer to the right, resulting in the plane exiting the runway and the right wingtip making contact with the ground. The aircraft sustained light damage, and both occupants were uninjured.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the mechanical state of the landing gear and the operational conditions of the flight. The investigation confirmed that the pilot was properly licensed and qualified, with a valid medical certificate, and that the aircraft was airworthy, within weight and balance limits, and had up-to-date maintenance records. Meteorological conditions at the time were favorable for flight.
Technical analysis of the landing gear revealed that the tire had shifted in relation to the wheel hub. This movement caused the inflation valve to detach, which directly led to the rapid deflation of the tire.
Findings
- The tire deflation was caused by the movement of the tire relative to the wheel hub, which resulted in the detachment of the valve.
- The loss of tire pressure caused the aircraft to deviate from the runway centerline and exit the paved surface.