What happened
A private Cessna 500 (registration YV2892) was operating a flight from Maiquetia International Airport to Santiago Mariño International Airport in Margarita. The flight, which included two crew members and three passengers, proceeded normally through the en route phase and was cleared for approach to runway 09.
Upon touchdown and during the subsequent landing roll, the aircraft experienced a sudden tilt to the right accompanied by intense vibrations. The pilot immediately applied the brakes to maintain control of the aircraft. The crew noted significant resistance pulling the aircraft toward the right side of the runway, causing it to deviate from the centerline. To prevent the aircraft from exiting the runway safety area, the pilot and co-pilot applied differential braking using the left pedal. The aircraft was successfully brought to a stop at the intersection of taxiway B.
There were no injuries to the crew or passengers, though the aircraft sustained minor damage.
The investigation
The investigation involved interviews with the flight crew and an examination of various documents, including licenses, maintenance records, and the aircraft's airworthiness certificate. Investigators performed a physical inspection of the landing gear, the braking system, the tires, and the runway surface. Photographic evidence was used to document the damage to the right main gear rim and tire.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was a tire burst on the right main gear caused by foreign object debris (FOD) present on the runway.
- The inspection of the landing gear confirmed that the right main tire was damaged by FOD.
- The braking system sustained slight damage as a result of the tire burst and the subsequent emergency braking maneuvers.
Safety action
- The airport authority is advised to increase inspections and patrols of the maneuvering area to identify and remove debris to prevent similar flight safety threats.