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Runway Departure After Left Main Tire Failure During Takeoff (N91092)

Broomfield, CO, US

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. No fatalities were reported. 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.

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

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.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Aug 2002 Air Tractor AT-802A accident near Broomfield, CO?

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.

Were there any fatalities in the 14 Aug 2002 Air Tractor AT-802A accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Aug 2002 involved an Air Tractor AT-802A, registration N91092, operated by U.s.d.a. Forest Service, at Broomfield, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the airplane's left main landing gear tire separated from its wheel during takeoff roll for an undetermined reason. Contributing factors were the pilot's inability to maintain aircraft control during takeoff roll and the subsequent impact with the Visual Approach Slope Indicator box.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020816X01406. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.