Flight Sequence
On 15 September 2003 at 18:13 UTC, a Piper PA-38-112, registration LY-IAH, landed on runway 24 at Prague Ruzyně Airport (LKPR). After touchdown, during the landing roll of approximately 200 to 300 meters without brake application, the pilot felt impacts on the right main landing gear wheel and a tendency to veer right. After exiting the runway onto taxiway C, the pilot discovered that the right main tire was punctured.
Injuries and Damage
No injuries to the crew or passengers occurred. The aircraft sustained no other damage besides the punctured tire. No other property damage was reported.
Pilot Information
The pilot, aged 48, held an airline transport pilot license (No. AT-107) issued by the Lithuanian aviation authority on 15 December 1997, valid until 5 December 2003. A medical examination was completed on 19 March 2002, valid until 19 March 2004. Total flight hours and experience were not investigated.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a Piper PA-38-112, serial number 38-78A0694, manufactured by Piper Aircraft Corporation (USA). Its certificate of airworthiness was issued by the Lithuanian Civil Aviation Authority on 26 March 2003, valid until 25 March 2004. Liability insurance was arranged with Lindra Insurance, Vilnius, on 28 March 2003, valid until 30 March 2004.
Meteorological Conditions
At the time of landing, the weather was CAVOK (ceiling and visibility OK).
Investigation and Conclusions
The investigation was conducted by the Czech Accident Investigation Institute (ÚZPLN). The aircraft had no pre-existing defects. The runway surface condition could not be determined retrospectively. The pilot reported a smooth touchdown, with impacts only after rolling 200 to 300 meters. The right main tire showed a puncture likely caused by rolling over a foreign object on the runway.
Probable Cause
The probable cause of the tire puncture was rolling over a foreign object during the landing roll.
Recommendations
The investigation results were forwarded to the Prague Ruzyně airport operator for consideration of measures to prevent similar occurrences.