On November 8, 1997, a Globe GC-1B (registration N3232K) was involved in an aviation accident near Los Angeles, CA. 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.
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.