Accident Sequence
During the takeoff roll, at 65 knots, the pilot rotated the airplane. Simultaneously, a loud bang was heard and a severe left pull was felt. The pilot applied right rudder and right brake to counteract the left drift, but the airplane departed the runway. It continued across a grassy area, then across an asphalt taxiway, before coming to a stop in an upright attitude.
Post-Accident Examination
A 100-hour inspection had been completed just prior to the flight. Examination of the left main wheel revealed a 6-inch section of the inner wheel rim missing. A 2-inch piece of the inner wheel was found about 565 feet from the approach end of the runway.
Microscopic Analysis
Microscopic examination of the fracture surfaces showed no clear evidence of fatigue. The fracture appeared to have failed by overstress separation.