What happened
On September 15, 2003, at 18:1 and 13 UTC, a Piper PA-38-112, registration LY-IAH, was performing a landing on runway 24 at Prague Ruzyně airport. The pilot reported a smooth touchdown; however, after the aircraft had traveled approximately 200 to 300 meters along the runway without the use of brakes, the pilot felt impacts originating from the right main gear. These impacts were accompanied by a noticeable difficulty in maintaining directional control, with the aircraft pulling toward the right.
After exiting the runway and transitioning to taxiway C, the pilot identified that the right main landing gear tire had burst. There were no injuries to the pilot or any occupants, and no other damage to the aircraft or surrounding property was reported.
The investigation
The ÚZPLN investigation focused on the sequence of events following the touchdown and the condition of the landing gear. The investigation established that the pilot held valid commercial pilot qualifications and a current medical certificate. Meteorological conditions at the time of the incident were CAVOK (ceiling and visibility OK). The investigation examined the runway surface and the tire's condition, noting that no mechanical defects had been identified on the aircraft prior to or during the flight.
Findings
- The investigation determined that the right main landing gear tire suffered a puncture.
- The puncture was caused by the impact with a foreign object encountered during the aircraft's rollout on the runway.
- The loss of directional control was a direct result of the tire failure.