What happened
On December 23, 2025, a Piper PA-A-38-112 with registration LV-ONY began taxiing at Coronel Felipe Varela Airport (SANC) in Catamarca, Argentina. The aircraft was preparing for a local general aviation flight under visual meteorological conditions. After completing engine checks at the holding point for runway 02 and receiving clearance for takeoff, the left main gear tire deflated completely. This failure prevented the aircraft from advancing further down the taxiway.
The pilot notified air traffic control of the situation. A vehicle from Aeropuertos Argentina 2000 was dispatched to the scene. The aircraft was subsequently towed to a hangar using a tow bar, with the affected wheel suspended on a cart to prevent additional damage. Inspection by the flight training center staff in Catamarca revealed a cut in the tire casing. No foreign objects or surface damage were found on the tire itself. The damaged tire was repaired, and the aircraft returned to service on January 11, 2026.
The investigation
The Junta de Seguridad en el Transporte (JST) conducted a desk investigation into the incident. Review of the movement area inspection forms from Aeropuertos Argentina 2000 showed four inspections prior to the event at local times 07:26, 10:35, 11:25, and 14:42. None of these inspections identified risks or hazards that would have affected operations. The investigation focused on the mechanical failure of the tire and the operational context of the taxiing phase.
Findings
The primary cause of the incident was the complete deflation of the left main gear tire during taxiing. The inspection revealed a cut in the tire casing, which led to the loss of air pressure. No foreign debris or surface damage was identified on the tire at the time of the post-incident check. The aircraft sustained no other damage, and there were no injuries to the pilot.