Right main gear tire burst during landing at Prague Ruzyně

Casualties unknown • LKPR, CZ

A Cessna C-207 experienced a burst right main gear tire during landing at Prague Ruzyně, leading to directional control difficulties.

What happened

On August 31, 2003, a Cessna C-207, registration OK-DIB, was completing a sightseeing flight at Prague Ruzyn/Prague Václav Havel Airport. The aircraft was carrying the pilot and six passengers. Upon landing on runway 31, the pilot experienced significant difficulty maintaining directional control of the aircraft. After bringing the plane to a stop on the left side of the runway, the pilot identified that the right main gear tire had burst.

The investigation

The ÚZPLN investigation established that the weather conditions at the time of landing were partly cloudy with a wind from 260 degrees at 11 knots, which were suitable for the flight. The pilot held valid commercial pilot qualifications and a current medical certificate. The aircraft had no known mechanical defects prior to or during the flight.

Investigators examined the right main gear tire and found evidence of a single-event abrasion caused by contact with the runway surface. The investigation also considered the pilot's actions during the landing flare and touchdown phase.

Probable cause

The probable cause of the tire failure was the **unintentional braking of the right main gear wheel** during touchdown, likely as a result of the pilot attempting to compensate for the effects of a crosswind.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2003-08-31 C 207 accident near LKPR, CZ?

A Cessna C-207 experienced a burst right main gear tire during landing at Prague Ruzyně, leading to directional control difficulties.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2003-08-31 involved a C 207, registration OK-DIB, at LKPR, CZ.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The probable cause of the tire failure was the **unintentional braking of the right main gear wheel** during touchdown, likely as a result of the pilot attempting to compensate for the effects of a crosswind.

Investigation report by the Czech Air Accidents Investigation Institute (UZPLN). Original record: https://uzpln.gov.cz/incident/74. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the Ustav pro odborne zjistovani pricin leteckych nehod (UZPLN), Czech Republic.

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