On December 4, 1960, a Percival P.50 Prince (registration ZK-BMQ) operated by Polynesian Airline of Samoa - Polynesian Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Faleolo, Samoa Islands (Western Samoa) during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The exact reason for the tire deflation could not be determined. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft sustained significant damage after completing a landing on deflated tires, resulting in a total loss of the airframe.
What happened
During the final phase of flight, an aircraft arrived at its destination and performed a landing. Upon touchdown, it was discovered that the aircraft's tires were completely flat. The specific reason for the loss of tire pressure remained undetermined following the event.
As a result of the landing on deflated rubber, the aircraft sustained extensive structural damage. While there were no injuries reported among the occupants, the damage to the airframe was so severe that the vessel was declared a total loss and was deemed beyond repair.
Findings
The aircraft landed with deflated tires.
The cause of the tire deflation was unknown at the time of the report.
Probable cause
The exact reason for the tire deflation could not be determined.