What happened
On March 18, 2025, at 15:50 UTC, a Tecnam P2002 Sierra, registration LV-S069, was taxiing toward the threshold of runway 11 at the Santiago Germanó Aerodrome in San Rafael, Mendoza. The aircraft was being operated for a recreational cross-country flight destined for General Pico, La Pampa.
During the taxi phase, the right main landing gear tire deflated completely, causing the aircraft to become immobilized. The pilot notified air traffic control, and ground personnel were deployed to clear the runway. Maintenance staff attempted to reinflate the tire on two separate occasions; however, the tire lost pressure immediately after each attempt, preventing the aircraft from moving forward.
The investigation
A desk investigation was conducted to examine the cause of the deflation. Maintenance personnel inspected the tire and identified a cut in the inner tube. No foreign objects were found on the surface of the tire. Following the discovery of the puncture, the tire was replaced, and the aircraft returned to service without further issues.
An inspection of the aerodrome movement area, conducted by Aeropuertos Argentina personnel between 15:11 and 16:01 UTC, had not identified any operational hazards prior to the event.