Incident Overview
The pilot reported that during the first takeoff attempt, the engine did not spool up normally, leading to an aborted takeoff with minimal braking. After taxiing back, a second takeoff was attempted three minutes later. During the takeoff roll, a warning light prompted another abort at 20 to 30 knots, again with minimal braking. The airplane returned to the runway and was cleared for a third takeoff nine minutes later.
Third Takeoff Attempt
At about 85 knots during the third takeoff, the pilot felt a rumble and heard a "pop" as the airplane began drifting left. The pilot aborted the takeoff, keeping the airplane on the runway until it entered the overrun area. The tower informed the flight crew of smoke and fire coming from the left main landing gear.
Post-Event Inspection
Inspection revealed that the left main landing gear tires overheated and blew during the third takeoff attempt. The hydraulic line on the left main landing gear was severed when the tire blew, and hydraulic fluid leaked onto the hot brake surface, igniting. All wheel fusible plugs had blown.
Relevant Manual Guidance
The Raytheon Aircraft Airplane Flight Manual specifies waiting periods after rejected takeoffs: 25 minutes after a single rejected takeoff from 90 knots indicated airspeed or less, and 45 minutes after two or more successive rejected takeoffs.