What happened
The pilot was completing a cross-country flight when a normal landing was executed. Upon touchdown, the aircraft began to swerve sharply to the left, causing it to depart the side of the runway. Observing the deviation from the paved surface, the pilot elected to initiate a go-around rather than attempting to stop on the grass. As the aircraft rolled across the adjacent grassy area during this maneuver, it struck a fence and subsequently nosed over.
The investigation
A physical examination of the aircraft revealed that the left main tire was flat upon recovery. Investigators noted that the valve stem was missing from the tire assembly. Additionally, tire marks were discovered on the runway surface, which were consistent with the track of the aircraft as it departed the runway.
Findings
The evidence indicated that the loss of directional control and subsequent departure from the runway were directly linked to the condition of the left main landing gear tire. The missing valve stem likely contributed to the rapid deflation of the tire, which caused the aircraft to pull toward the left side during the critical phase of landing roll.
Safety message
Regular pre-flight inspections should include a thorough check of tire inflation and valve stem integrity to prevent sudden loss of pressure that can compromise directional control during landing.