On May 23, 1994, a Cessna 305A (registration N5234G) was involved in an aviation accident near Franklin, VA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE LOSS OF AIRPLANE DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING LANDING AS A RESULT OF A TIRE FAILURE, AND THE SUBSEQUENT COLLISION WITH SOFT TERRAIN. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a landing on a grass airstrip, the pilot felt a wobble and the aircraft veered right, consistent with a blown tire. The aircraft spun after the right gear hit soft terrain.
Incident Overview
The pilot reported a normal approach for landing on a grass airstrip. At touchdown, the pilot experienced a wobble on the right side of the aircraft. The aircraft then settled and veered to the right, behavior consistent with a blown tire.
Loss of Control
Despite the pilot's efforts, directional control could not be maintained. The right landing gear subsequently impacted soft terrain adjacent to the airstrip, causing the airplane to spin around.
Post-Accident Inspection
An FAA inspector examined the aircraft and found that the right main tire tube valve stem had been sheared off. This finding aligns with the pilot's description of a blown tire.