On August 14, 2002, an Air Tractor AT-802A (registration N91092) operated by U.s.d.a. Forest Service was involved in an aviation accident near Broomfield, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the airplane's left main landing gear tire separated from its wheel during takeoff roll for an undetermined reason. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During takeoff on runway 29R, a pilot heard a bang and the aircraft veered left. Despite corrective inputs, it exited the runway, impacting a VASI box and sustaining damage. Investigation found a separated left main tire inner seal.
Sequence of Events
The pilot taxied onto runway 29R with approximately 700 gallons of fire retardant aboard and began the takeoff roll. At an estimated 800 to 900 feet down the runway, a distinct bang was heard. The aircraft immediately initiated an uncommanded left turn. The pilot applied right rudder and right braking but was unable to regain control. The airplane departed the runway and struck the Visual Approach Slope Indicator (VASI) box, causing the right main landing gear to shear off. Subsequently, the right wing and aileron were bent upward.
Postaccident Examination
Maintenance personnel examined the airplane after the accident and found that the left main tire inner seal had separated from the wheel. No determination was made as to why this separation occurred.
Runway Marks
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector observed two black skid marks on the runway. The left skid mark began approximately 10 to 15 feet before the right skid mark began.