Event Description
The captain of the aircraft reported that during the takeoff ground roll, while the aircraft was near V1/VR speed, a loud bang was heard followed by a vibration in the airframe. A second loud bang was heard as the captain aborted the takeoff. After the aircraft came to a stop on a taxiway, the occupants evacuated.
Fire and Response
A fire was observed on the right wheels and in the wheel well. Airport fire department units responded and extinguished the fire.
Post-Event Inspection
Inspection revealed that both right main gear tires had blown out during the takeoff roll. The ground fire was found to have spread from the wheel well into the left wing root area. An FAA inspector examined the aircraft and reported that the hydraulic and fuel lines routed through the right wheel well area were severed. The fuselage fuel tank was found punctured. The hydraulic system uses MIL 5606 fluid.
Runway Debris
The area of the runway where the initial tire failure occurred is near an area of construction on the airport taxiways. The debris from the runway was gathered up by airport personnel and disposed of prior to examination by FAA inspectors.