History of the Flight
On 3 May 2026, a Boeing 737-300F, registration PK-MBM, operated by PT Raffles Global Angkasa under a wet lease arrangement with World Cargo Airlines, was scheduled to operate cargo flight 3G6602 from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (WMKK) to Kuching International Airport (WBGG). The aircraft carried four crew members: a captain, first officer, loadmaster, and engineer.
At 2140 UTC, the flight crew arrived at the aircraft parked at Bay F25R and conducted a pre-flight inspection. No abnormalities or defects were identified, and the aircraft was found in satisfactory condition. Between 2142 UTC and 2150 UTC, scheduled runway sweeping operations were conducted on Runway 14R/32L at WMKK, after which the runway was declared serviceable.
At 2155 UTC, refueling and cargo loading were completed. The aircraft pushed back and started engines without issue, then taxied to Runway 14R via Intersection C2. At 2221 UTC, the aircraft departed. The crew reported a normal take-off roll and rotation, with no abnormal indications, vibrations, or handling issues. The climb, cruise, and descent were also normal.
Debris Detection and Runway Closure
Between 2221 UTC and 2303 UTC, four aircraft movements used Runway 14R for departure before debris was reported by another aircraft. At 2303 UTC, the Tower Supervisor informed the Duty Executive of debris on Runway 14R/32L. Airside Safety personnel initiated inspection and foreign object debris (FOD) removal, involving six airside safety vehicles and four runway sweepers. Runway 14R/32L was closed until 0030 UTC for debris clearance and inspection.
Tyre debris was scattered along the runway from Intersection C2 to C7. Recovered debris included approximately 58.375 kg of rubber material and 18.756 kg of metallic fragments. Continuous scratch marks about 2 km in length were identified on the runway pavement from Intersection P4 to C7. The runway was reopened at 0027 UTC.
Landing and Post-Flight Inspection
At 2351 UTC, flight PK-MBM landed on Runway 25 at Kuching International Airport. During touchdown, the aircraft tended to veer right, prompting the pilot in command to disengage the autobrake and apply reverse thrust to maintain directional control. The aircraft vacated the runway via Taxiway A3 and stopped at Parking Bay 10B, where it was secured with wheel chocks.
After engine shutdown, the flight crew identified damage to the aircraft. A post-flight inspection revealed that the right main wheel assembly (MWA) No. 3 and No. 4 had disintegrated, causing extensive damage to multiple aircraft structures and components.
At 0020 UTC, the crew informed Surface Movement Control that tyre bursts had occurred, scattering FOD along Taxiway A3. Runway inspection at WBGG found continuous scratch marks on the pavement from the 750 ft marker on Runway 25 to Parking Bay 10B, following the aircraft's path.
Damage to Aircraft
The catastrophic failure of MWA No. 3 and No. 4 resulted in tyre disintegration and fragmentation. Secondary damage included punctures, cracking, and structural rupture caused by detached tyre and wheel assembly fragments. No injuries were reported to the flight crew or other personnel.
Investigation
The Air Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) Malaysia was notified by the National Transportation Safety Committee (NTSC) Indonesia on 5 May 2026. A mandatory occurrence report was submitted to the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia. The investigation team was dispatched to the occurrence site on 6 May 2026. The report is preliminary and subject to change as additional evidence becomes available.