DA40 Diamond Star
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 30; Flight Crew Total 320; Flight Crew Type 70
Confusion
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; Flight Crew Became Reoriented; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
The event took place on the second leg of a two leg trip; the first leg with a fuel stop was uneventful. No maintenance issues were detected; and the flight was what could be described as 'normal.' After a fuel stop I departed IFR for my final destination. After departing the flight could be described as uneventful. The departure weather was VFR. At about the direct route's midpoint; we received reports of thunderstorms in our future flight path; so we deviated around that without any issues. As we approached our destination; the sun had set; and night time had begun. We were cleared for a visual approach; the weather was VFR. The approach phase of the flight was completely normal. After touching down on the centerline just prior to the 1;000 foot markers on Runway 22; it felt like the left main wheel was completely locked up; and I was not applying the brakes at this time. At that point; I decided to continue to land the aircraft; as that was the safest option. The tire popped and the aircraft drifted to the left side of the runway; and came to a complete stop at about the intersection of Runway 22 and Taxiway Charlie. I was able to stop the aircraft relatively quickly by braking because I wanted to make sure we could stop before the flat tire drifted us off the runway completely. When we came to a complete stop; I contacted the Tower and notified them of the incident. The wheel pant on the left side was resting on the ground; which prevented us from taxiing without further damage to the aircraft. No injuries in the event. Airport operations and Airport Police came out to the runway and closed it until the Maintenance crew was able to come assist us off the runway. The gentleman from airport operations who assisted us took a brief report on what had happened. When Maintenance arrived; inspection of the tire showed that there was normal tread around the tire; except for a worn spot where the hole was. The hole was about the size of a quarter. This confirmed the suspicion that the left main tire was locked up on touchdown. The aircraft was towed off the runway and sent to Maintenance to receive a tire replacement. After recalling the occurrence; I am unable to come up with an official 'cause' of the tire locking up. The event was caused by the left tire being locked up on touchdown. Airport operations were going to check for debris on the runway; and I was never notified of the result of that investigation. Maintenance was also checking the brake system to ensure there were no abnormalities; and I was never notified of their findings either. On the human factors side; I was not ill or fatigued. Although I had done quite a bit of flying in the previous days; I had been getting at least nine hours of sleep each night; as well as breaks and rest periods in between flight legs. Decision making-wise; I feel like my decision to continue landing after discovering the left wheel was locked up was a good decision. Although I do not know the cause of the lockup; I immediately made the decision to get the aircraft stopped to minimize damage and/or injury. There were no injuries to the pilot or one other passenger that was onboard; and damage was minimal. With the events that took place; I think the most favorable outcome was achieved.
A DA-40 landed with an apparent locked left wheel brake and the pilot was able to keep the aircraft on the runway with no major damage or injuries.