Accident Sequence
During the takeoff roll, the right main landing gear tire blew. As a result, the left wing raised up and the airplane drifted to the right. The pilot shut down the power. Subsequently, the pilot stated that the right wheel caught the raised grass area on the edge of the runway. The airplane's tail swung to the right and the right landing gear collapsed. The airplane came to rest on the right edge of runway 18, approximately 100 yards from the point where the tire went flat.
Pilot Report and Examination Findings
The pilot did not report any mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident. Examination of the accident site revealed tire skid marks off to the right of the runway. Examination of the airplane revealed damage to the right wing, right engine, cowling, and right wing propeller. The right landing gear assembly was torn from the airframe and the empennage was partially detached.
Maintenance Records
A review of maintenance records recovered failed to disclose the history of the failed tire.