A Mechanic reports about a Cirrus SR20 aircraft right main tire losing pressure on landing. He had replaced both main tires seven months earlier; but the inner tubes were considered serviceable and reinstalled.
Synopsis
A Mechanic reports about a Cirrus SR20 aircraft right main tire losing pressure on landing. He had replaced both main tires seven months earlier; but the inner tubes were considered serviceable and reinstalled.
Narrative
The aircraft was being used for IFR flight training. Upon landing; the instructor felt that the right main tire was losing pressure and felt like it was flat. The landing was described as very smooth. The aircraft was brought to a gentle stop on runway. The aircraft was shut down and towed to the FBO (Fixed Based Operator). There was no damage to the aircraft; only a flat tire. The right main tire was removed and it was found that there was a one to two cm puncture in the tube. The aircraft had been towed with the flat tire; so it is hard to determine if other cracking present in the tube was caused by the towing; or was present beforehand. A new tube and serviceable tire were installed on the aircraft and it was test flown satisfactorily. Both main tires had been replaced by me approximately seven months prior; but the tubes had not been replaced at that time. Although the tubes were deemed to be serviceable and airworthy at that time; I believe that it probably would have been prudent to change out the tubes at tire change regardless of their condition. I am planning on changing the left main tire tube as soon as possible. Total time on the tube is unknown; but the tire change had been done approximately 100 hours ago.
NASA callback
Reporter stated he is part of a LLC (Limited Liability Corporation) that leases their Cirrus SR20 for flight training purposes and he performs the maintenance on the aircraft. Inner tubes are not life-limited by hour or cycle time; only for condition. They cost approximately $50.00 each. He inspected both main tire inner tubes for cracking; scouring; deterioration or FOD damage. He than installed them into the main tires using baby powder.Reporter stated there was nothing physically wrong with the right main tire and no punctures were found in the tire; but the weather was very cold outside. After removing the tube from the flat tire; he noticed where the tube had lost air pressure along a seam line.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.