What happened
On March 20, 2025, at 22:33 UTC, a Tecnam P20/02 Sierra, registration LV-S069, was performing a private cross-country flight from General Pico to the Suboficial Ayudante Santiago Germanó Aerodrome in San Rafael, Mendoza. During the landing phase, the right main landing gear tire deflated completely. This loss of pressure prevented the aircraft from taxiing normally, effectively obstructing the runway.
The pilot immediately notified air traffic control of the situation. Emergency response teams were deployed to clear the movement area. After the tire was reinflated, the aircraft was able to move under its own power to the aeroclub hangar. Following the incident, airport authorities conducted inspections of the runway; an inspection prior to the aircraft's arrival found no operational risks, and a subsequent inspection after the runway was cleared also revealed no relevant findings.
The investigation
As this was a minor incident involving an aircraft with a maximum takeoff weight below 2250 kg and no injuries, the JST conducted a desk investigation. Maintenance personnel inspected the aircraft and identified a cut in the tire tube. The affected tire was replaced, and the aircraft returned to service.
Investigators examined the history of similar failures on this specific aircraft. It was noted that previous incidents involving tire deflation occurred when the aircraft was using Air Hawk brand tires (size 500x5).