No fatalities

Tire Blowout During Landing Leads to Runway Excursion and Aircraft Damage (N3232K)

Los Angeles, CA, US

On November 8, 1997, a Globe GC-1B (registration N3232K) was involved in an aviation accident near Los Angeles, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's loss of directional control due to an inadvertent ground loop resulting from a deflated tire. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

During touchdown, the right tire blew out. The pilot lost directional control despite full left brake, veering off the runway. The main landing gear collapsed and the left wing broke on contact.

Incident Overview

During the landing sequence, the aircraft's right main tire failed at touchdown. The pilot applied full left brake in an attempt to maintain control, but directional control was lost. The airplane subsequently veered off the right side of the runway.

Post-Impact Damage

After leaving the runway surface, the conventional main landing gear collapsed. The left wing then struck the runway, resulting in structural failure.

Examination Findings

A post-incident examination by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) revealed that the right main tire contained an 8-inch-long circumferential laceration in the center tread groove. No pronounced weather checking was evident on the tire. The tire was approximately nine years old at the time of the event.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 8 Nov 1997 Globe GC-1B accident near Los Angeles, CA?

During touchdown, the right tire blew out. The pilot lost directional control despite full left brake, veering off the runway. The main landing gear collapsed and the left wing broke on contact.

Were there any fatalities in the 8 Nov 1997 Globe GC-1B accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 8 Nov 1997 involved a Globe GC-1B, registration N3232K, at Los Angeles, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's loss of directional control due to an inadvertent ground loop resulting from a deflated tire.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X09201. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.