Incident Description
A pilot reported that during touchdown, a loud squeal was heard from a tire, accompanied by a sensation of the aircraft pulling to the left. The pilot stated that right aileron and rudder were applied to maintain directional control. However, as the aircraft slowed, it began to veer left again. Subsequently, the left tire exploded, the left gear strut collapsed, and the propeller and left wing tip contacted the runway. The aircraft then veered to the right and departed the runway.
Pilot Report
The pilot described the sequence of events, noting the initial tire squeal and leftward pull. Despite corrective control inputs, the aircraft repeatedly pulled left as it decelerated, culminating in the tire explosion and gear collapse.
Air Traffic Control Observations
Air traffic control specialists working local and ground control reported witnessing the aircraft land hard with the left wing down. They observed the aircraft bounce onto its left gear, come back down on the runway, and depart the runway as the wheel separated.
Examination Findings
An examination of the left main tire revealed it was torn or ripped across the tread, sidewall, and both beads. The inner tube showed similar damage. No flat spots were noted. The wheel assembly was fractured and broken, but no evidence of pre-existing defects was found.