Event Summary
The left main landing gear tire blew out as the airplane rotated for takeoff. The pilot continued the takeoff and climbed without further incident. He proceeded to the field he intended to spray. After dispensing the load of fertilizer, the pilot elected to return to a nearby unobstructed auxiliary airstrip to perform a precautionary landing.
Landing and Gear Collapse
The pilot stated that he touched down on the right wheel and, during the landing roll, attempted to keep the weight of the airplane off the left wheel. As more weight was placed on the flat left tire, the airplane began to pull to the left. Eventually, the tire dug into the ground, resulting in the collapse of the left main gear assembly.
Investigation
The reason for the failure of the left main tire could not be determined.