What happened
On March 8, 2020, a Learjet LJ-25, registration LV-ZTH, was performing a medical evacuation flight from Ushuaia International Airport to San Fernando. During the takeoff roll on runway 25, approximately 300 meters from the runway threshold, the aircraft experienced a mechanical failure involving the left main landing gear. Specifically, both tires on the left main gear assembly underwent a blowout or de-beading (destalonamiento).
The investigation
The Argentine Transportation Safety Board (JST) conducted a technical review of the incident. Investigators examined the aircraft's condition following the event and the circumstances surrounding the takeoff roll. The investigation focused on the failure of the tire components within the landing gear assembly.
Findings
The investigation established that the primary issue was a system/component failure involving the left main landing gear tires. The failure occurred while the aircraft was in the takeoff phase of flight. Despite the mechanical failure, the incident did not result in any fatalities or injuries to the two crew members on board, and the aircraft sustained no significant damage.