Incident Overview
On Monday, 19 March 2001, at 18:30 local time, a Piper PA-34-200T (registration EC-FHY) operated by a pilot training center was conducting a local instructional flight at Tenerife Norte Airport. The aircraft was flown by an instructor and a student pilot, performing simulated short-field landings—an exercise that requires vigorous braking and precise touchdown points.
During the final landing, the touchdown occurred beyond the intended point. The student pilot applied the brakes, and shortly afterward the right main landing gear tire burst, followed almost immediately by the left main tire. The crew maintained control and brought the aircraft to a stop on the runway.
Response and Damage
The airport fire service was alerted by the control tower and responded promptly, but their assistance was not required. Maintenance personnel from the operating company replaced both burst tires, allowing the aircraft to taxi off the runway approximately ten minutes later. The runway was closed to traffic during that period.
Both occupants were uninjured and able to exit the aircraft unaided. Damage was limited to the two main landing gear tires, which had burst due to flat spots.
Meteorological Conditions
Weather at the time included wind from 330 degrees at 10 knots, temperature 20°C, and visibility greater than 10 km.
Crew Information
The instructor held a Spanish airline transport pilot license and had a total of 2,200 flight hours. The student pilot had 200 total hours, with 14 hours on the aircraft type.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the tires revealed clear wear marks from friction against the runway pavement, resulting in perforation of the tread (flat spots) on both tires. No anomalies or malfunctions were found in the aircraft's brake system.
The incident was attributed to excessive brake application, which caused both main wheels to lock and slide on the pavement, leading to tire burst from wear. The student likely applied brakes forcefully because the landing was longer than desired, reducing the simulated short-field distance available for stopping.