During a powered landing with tail rotor malfunction and light weight on the wheels, which action may cause wheel lock and tire blowout?

During a powered landing with tail rotor malfunction and light weight on the wheels, which action may cause wheel lock and tire blowout?

• A. Full left pedal input
• B. Light brake application
• C. Throttle increase
• D. Full collective raise

Answer: (B)

During a powered landing with tail rotor failure, the aircraft is still generating thrust and torque that the pilot must manage without the tail rotor. Applying brakes even lightly can stop the wheels from turning while the rotor and drivetrain are still delivering power, especially when the aircraft is light on its wheels. That sudden deceleration of a low-load tire can cause the wheel to lock, and the resulting heat and shear on the tire can lead to a blowout. The other actions do not directly impose that arrested-wheel condition: changing yaw with full pedal doesn’t lock the wheels, increasing throttle raises engine power but doesn’t force a wheel to stop, and raising collective reduces weight on the gear, which actually lowers the likelihood of wheel lock rather than causing it.

During a powered landing with tail rotor failure, the aircraft is still generating thrust and torque that the pilot must manage without the tail rotor. Applying brakes even lightly can stop the wheels from turning while the rotor and drivetrain are still delivering power, especially when the aircraft is light on its wheels. That sudden deceleration of a low-load tire can cause the wheel to lock, and the resulting heat and shear on the tire can lead to a blowout. The other actions do not directly impose that arrested-wheel condition: changing yaw with full pedal doesn’t lock the wheels, increasing throttle raises engine power but doesn’t force a wheel to stop, and raising collective reduces weight on the gear, which actually lowers the likelihood of wheel lock rather than causing it.