What happened
On March 6, 2025, a Beechcraft 400-A, registration LV-BEM, was performing taxi maneuvers at San Fernando International Airport in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The aircraft was preparing for a non-scheduled business flight destined for Almirante Marcos A. Zar International Airport in Trelew.
While taxiing via Alpha taxiway toward runway 05, the crew identified an abnormality regarding the left main landing gear tire. Upon stopping the aircraft, the crew confirmed that the tire was deflated. The pilot notified surface control of the situation, and the aircraft remained on the taxiway until maintenance personnel arrived to replace the affected wheel, allowing the aircraft to taxi to the apron under its own power.
The investigation
The investigation, conducted as a desk inquiry, focused on the technical failure of the tire assembly. Following the incident, the wheel was transported to the Aero Baires S.A.C.I. aeronautical workshop for a detailed inspection. The technical examination of the component revealed that the failure originated from a damaged O-ring within the wheel assembly.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was a damaged O-ring within the landing gear wheel assembly.
- The deflation of the tire occurred during the taxi phase of flight.
- No injuries to the crew or damage to the aircraft structure were reported.