On August 11, 1983, a Cessna T310R (registration N6121X) was involved in an aviation accident near Shelbyville, IN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing following a hard landing and right main tire blowout. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a VOR approach with crosswind conditions, the pilot experienced a hard landing that resulted in a right main tire failure and loss of directional control.
What happened
The pilot executed a VOR approach to runway 18 before circling to land on runway 36. Meteorological reports indicated winds from the northwest at 12 knots, with gusts reaching 15 knots. Upon touchdown, the aircraft experienced a hard landing which caused the right main tire to blow out. The pilot was unable to maintain directional control of the aircraft following the tire failure. Consequently, the aircraft departed the paved surface and entered approximately six inches of mud, sustaining damage during the incident.
The investigation
Examination of the aircraft confirmed that the right main tire had failed during the landing roll. The mechanical failure was consistent with the high loads associated with a hard landing in crosswind conditions. No other mechanical anomalies were reported that would have contributed to the loss of control.
Findings
Contributing factors included the crosswind component which complicated the circling maneuver, the hard landing impact, and the subsequent tire failure. The pilot's inability to maintain directional control after the tire blowout led to the runway excursion.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing following a hard landing and right main tire blowout.