Date: 6th March 2023
Location: Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport, Paramaribo, Suriname
Aircraft: Boeing 777-300, registration PH-BVC
Operator: KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Flight Number: KL-713
Route: Amsterdam, Netherlands, to Paramaribo, Suriname
Passengers and Crew: Not disclosed
Summary of Events
On 6th March 2023, KLM Flight KL-713, a Boeing 777-300 en route from Amsterdam to Paramaribo, landed on Runway 11 at Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport and sustained significant damage to its main landing gear tyres. After touchdown, cockpit indications warned of multiple punctured tyres.
The aircraft vacated the runway but became immobilized on a “loop” taxiway while attempting to backtrack. Passengers were disembarked onto the runway and transported to the terminal by bus.
Subsequent inspections revealed that 11 out of the 12 tyres on the main landing gear were damaged, with three completely deflated. The aircraft remained grounded at Paramaribo Airport for repairs.
Aircraft and Crew Information
Aircraft
The Boeing 777-300 is a long-haul, wide-body airliner with a robust landing gear system designed to support its high gross landing weight. The main landing gear consists of 12 tyres distributed across two sets of bogies.
Crew
The flight crew acted in accordance with safety protocols, ensuring the aircraft was brought to a controlled stop and that passengers disembarked safely.
Sequence of Events
1. Landing and Tyre Damage:
• The aircraft landed on Paramaribo’s Runway 11.
• Cockpit alerts indicated multiple tyre failures during the landing roll.
2. Taxi and Immobilization:
• The aircraft vacated the runway but became disabled on a “loop” taxiway while attempting a turn to backtrack.
3. Passenger Disembarkation:
• Passengers disembarked onto the runway and were transported to the terminal by bus.
4. Inspections and Findings:
• Inspections confirmed that 11 out of 12 main landing gear tyres were damaged, with three completely deflated.
Investigation Findings
Tyre Damage
• Number of Tyres Damaged: 11 of 12 tyres on the main landing gear were damaged, with three completely deflated.
• Cause of Damage: The exact cause of the tyre failures remains under investigation. Possible factors include:
• Foreign Object Debris (FOD): Debris on the runway could have contributed to the damage.
• Brake Overheating: Excessive brake temperatures during landing may have caused thermal damage to the tyres.
• Runway Surface Conditions: Abrasive or uneven surfaces could have accelerated tyre wear or contributed to failure.
Crew Response
• The flight crew responded appropriately to the cockpit alerts, bringing the aircraft to a safe stop and coordinating the disembarkation of passengers.
Safety Oversight
• On 28th November 2024, the Dutch Safety Board reported receiving Suriname’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASAS) findings, which confirmed the extent of the tyre damage. The investigation continues to determine root causes and contributing factors.
Potential Risks
The tyre failures posed several risks, including:
1. Runway Excursion: Multiple tyre failures could have compromised directional control during landing.
2. Brake System Damage: Prolonged operation on damaged tyres could have impacted brake functionality.
3. Passenger Safety: Disembarking passengers onto the runway presented additional logistical and safety challenges.
Recommendations
1. Runway Inspection and Maintenance:
• Conduct thorough inspections of Runway 11 to identify and address any surface conditions or foreign object debris that may have contributed to the tyre damage.
2. Landing Gear Monitoring:
• Implement enhanced pre-flight and post-flight inspections of landing gear components, particularly tyres and brakes.
3. Operational Procedures:
• Review and reinforce procedures for managing tyre failure indications during landing and taxi operations.
4. Coordination with Airport Authorities:
• Ensure effective communication and coordination with airport authorities to facilitate safe passenger disembarkation in similar situations.
5. Safety Reporting and Training:
• Share findings with industry stakeholders to enhance awareness of tyre failure risks and improve training for flight crews.
Safety Lessons and Industry Impact
This incident highlights the critical importance of maintaining runway integrity and ensuring robust tyre and brake system maintenance. Findings from this investigation are expected to inform best practices for landing gear inspections, runway maintenance, and crew response protocols.
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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.
