Date: 5th December 2024
Location: Santa Cruz Viru Viru Airport, Bolivia
Aircraft: McDonnell Douglas MD-10-30 Freighter, registration CP-2791
Operator: TAB Cargo
Flight Number: 2L-755
Route: La Paz (Bolivia) to Santa Cruz (Bolivia)
Occupants: Unknown
Injuries: None reported
Summary of Events
On 5th December 2024, a TAB Cargo McDonnell Douglas MD-10-30 freighter, operating flight 2L-755 from La Paz to Santa Cruz, landed on Santa Cruz’s runway 34 and suffered multiple burst tyres. The aircraft completed its landing roll without further incident but became disabled on the runway, requiring assistance. At the time of reporting, the aircraft remains grounded at Santa Cruz Viru Viru Airport.
Aircraft Information
The McDonnell Douglas MD-10-30 is a converted variant of the DC-10-30, upgraded with a two-person cockpit and modern avionics. It remains a workhorse for cargo operations globally, despite its age, but requires rigorous maintenance due to its operational history and wear-prone systems.
Sequence of Events
1. Approach and Landing:
• The aircraft completed a standard approach and touchdown on Santa Cruz’s runway 34.
• During the landing roll, multiple tyres on the main landing gear burst, but the aircraft remained controllable.
2. Post-Landing:
• The aircraft came to a halt on the runway and was disabled due to the tyre damage.
• Emergency services attended the scene to ensure the safety of the aircraft and runway operations.
3. Runway Closure:
• The runway was temporarily closed to facilitate the inspection and recovery of the disabled freighter.
Initial Findings
Tyre Failure
• The burst tyres likely resulted from:
• Excessive heat buildup due to heavy braking or underinflation.
• Structural fatigue or degradation from repeated operations, particularly at high altitudes like La Paz.
• Potential foreign object debris (FOD) on the runway causing damage during touchdown.
Aircraft Weight and Braking:
• As a freighter, the MD-10 operates near its maximum landing weight, which can place significant stress on the landing gear during high-speed rollouts.
• Heavy braking, especially on shorter or less well-maintained runways, can exacerbate tyre wear.
Safety Risks
1. Runway Operations:
• A disabled aircraft on the runway poses significant risks for subsequent arrivals and departures, necessitating prompt clearance.
2. Landing Gear Integrity:
• Damage to tyres can lead to stress on adjacent landing gear components, including axles and brakes.
3. Fire Hazard:
• Tyre bursts due to overheating can increase the risk of wheel well fires if hydraulic fluid or other materials ignite.
Recommendations
1. Tyre Inspections:
• Conduct a detailed inspection of the burst tyres to determine the root cause, including checks for proper inflation, wear patterns, and structural integrity.
2. Landing Gear Maintenance:
• Inspect the aircraft’s landing gear assembly for any collateral damage resulting from the incident.
3. Runway Checks:
• Conduct a thorough inspection of Santa Cruz’s runway 34 for FOD or surface irregularities that may have contributed to the tyre damage.
4. Operational Review:
• Review the approach, landing, and braking procedures to identify potential areas of improvement, particularly for operations involving high-weight freighters.
Safety Lessons
This incident underscores the importance of regular maintenance and inspection of landing gear components, particularly for ageing aircraft operating in demanding environments. It also highlights the need for stringent runway maintenance to prevent foreign object damage. Effective coordination between air traffic control and emergency services ensured the safe management of the incident without further complications.
Disclaimer
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Our investigation reports are based on all the evidence and facts available at the time of writing and posting. We apologise if any details are missed or are not fully accurate.
