Date: 27th October 2024
Location: Arusha and Zanzibar, Tanzania
Aircraft: ATR-42-300, registration 5H-RHM
Operator: Sindbard Air
Flight Route: Arusha to Zanzibar, Tanzania
Passengers: Undisclosed
Crew: Undisclosed
Summary of Events
On 27th October 2024, a Sindbard Air ATR-42-300 experienced the detachment of both right main gear tyres during its takeoff roll at Arusha Airport, Tanzania. Despite the loss of the tyres, the crew continued the takeoff and proceeded to Zanzibar, where the aircraft landed safely. Upon arrival, the aircraft taxied to the apron without further incident.
The Tanzania Aviation Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) classified the event as a serious incident and has launched an investigation to determine the cause of the tyre detachment. Initial reports highlight conflicting timelines regarding the aircraft’s acquisition and maintenance history, raising questions about potential contributing factors.
Aircraft and Operator Information
The ATR-42-300, registration 5H-RHM, is a twin-engine turboprop aircraft commonly used for regional and short-haul flights. This particular aircraft (MSN 122) was reportedly acquired by Sindbard Air on 24th August 2024, though other records suggest it may have been purchased in December 2023 and delivered in April 2024. The discrepancies in the timeline have prompted investigators to scrutinize the aircraft’s recent maintenance and operational history.
Sindbard Air is a regional operator based in Tanzania, providing connectivity to remote and underserved areas. The airline operates a small fleet of turboprop aircraft, including the ATR-42-300, which is a workhorse for such operations due to its ability to handle short, unpaved runways.
Sequence of Events
1. Takeoff from Arusha:
During the takeoff roll at Arusha Airport, both right main gear tyres detached from the aircraft. Despite the anomaly, the crew continued with the takeoff, likely assessing that aborting at that stage posed greater risks.
2. Flight to Zanzibar:
The flight proceeded uneventfully to Zanzibar, with no reports of further issues during the cruise phase. The crew likely conducted inflight assessments to ensure the aircraft was controllable and prepared for the landing.
3. Landing at Zanzibar:
The ATR-42 landed safely at Zanzibar Airport and taxied to the apron. The absence of the right main gear tyres did not appear to compromise the aircraft’s ability to land safely, likely due to the robust design of the landing gear assembly.
Initial Investigation Findings
The Tanzania AAIB has classified the occurrence as a serious incident. Preliminary areas of focus include:
1. Tyre Detachment Causes:
Investigators are examining potential causes for the detachment of both right main gear tyres, including:
• Mechanical Issues: Inadequate tightening of wheel nuts or faulty locking mechanisms.
• Tyre Condition: Excessive wear, manufacturing defects, or improper maintenance procedures.
• Runway Conditions: Whether the surface at Arusha Airport contributed to the detachment during the takeoff roll.
2. Maintenance History:
Given the conflicting acquisition timeline of the aircraft, investigators are reviewing its maintenance records to determine if the tyres were properly inspected and serviced prior to the flight. This includes verifying compliance with manufacturer and regulatory maintenance standards.
3. Crew Decision-Making:
The crew’s decision to continue the takeoff despite the tyre detachment will be assessed. This decision likely reflected their judgment that continuing was safer than attempting to abort at high speeds. Investigators will evaluate whether this decision adhered to standard operating procedures.
4. Operational and Regulatory Oversight:
The investigation will also assess Sindbard Air’s operational protocols and the regulatory oversight of its fleet. This includes determining whether pre-flight inspections were conducted thoroughly and in accordance with Tanzanian aviation regulations.
Key Technical Considerations
• Landing Gear Design:
The ATR-42’s landing gear is designed to handle significant stress during takeoff and landing. Investigators will assess whether the absence of the tyres affected the structural integrity of the right main gear.
• Aircraft Handling:
The crew’s ability to control the aircraft during takeoff, flight, and landing despite the missing tyres indicates the robustness of the ATR-42’s design and the crew’s proficiency in handling the situation.
• Runway Suitability:
Arusha Airport’s runway conditions may be scrutinized to determine whether any environmental factors contributed to the incident.
Conclusions
The tyre detachment experienced by Sindbard Air’s ATR-42-300 during takeoff from Arusha was a serious but contained incident. The crew’s decision to proceed with the flight ensured the safety of passengers and crew, and the safe landing at Zanzibar demonstrated their professionalism and the resilience of the aircraft.
The investigation will focus on identifying the root causes of the tyre detachment, with particular attention to maintenance practices, operational protocols, and the aircraft’s recent service history. Findings are expected to guide improvements in operational safety and maintenance oversight.
Recommendations
1. Enhanced Maintenance Protocols:
Operators of ATR-42 aircraft should reinforce pre-flight inspections of landing gear components, with particular attention to tyre condition and attachment mechanisms.
2. Runway Condition Assessments:
Airports servicing regional flights, such as Arusha, should regularly assess and maintain runway surfaces to minimize wear and tear on aircraft tyres.
3. Crew Training for Abnormal Takeoff Scenarios:
Airlines should include training scenarios that address abnormal takeoff conditions, such as tyre detachment, to ensure crews are prepared to make sound decisions under pressure.
4. Improved Record-Keeping and Compliance:
Airlines should maintain accurate records of aircraft acquisition, maintenance, and service history to ensure regulatory compliance and facilitate investigations in the event of incidents.
Safety Lessons and Industry Impact
This incident highlights the importance of stringent maintenance and inspection protocols, particularly for landing gear components, which are subject to significant stress during takeoff and landing. The event also underscores the critical role of crew decision-making in managing in-flight abnormalities.
The findings from this investigation are expected to inform industry-wide practices for regional operators, particularly those operating in challenging environments with less-developed airport infrastructure.
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Our investigation reports are based on all the evidence and facts we have at the time of writing and posting. We apologise if any details are missed or are not fully accurate.
