Airplane Veers Off Runway and Noses Over During Aborted Landing After Flat Tire

Accident Summary

During a landing attempt on runway 03, the airplane experienced a pronounced vibration from the main landing gear wheels during the landing rollout. As the airplane slowed, it began moving toward the left side of the runway, beyond which was a grass area. The pilot decided to abort the landing and added engine power to attempt a takeoff. The airplane entered the grass area during the takeoff roll, lifted off, but was unable to remain airborne. It settled back onto the grass along a 45-degree path relative to the runway and struck a ditch, causing the airplane to nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage, including deformation of the firewall, both wings, and empennage.

Investigation Findings

Post-accident inspection revealed that the left main landing gear tire was flat and exhibited preexisting wear that exposed the underlying threads. The pilot reported that he had inspected the main landing gear but was unable to see the condition of the tires due to the wheel pants installed on the landing gear. The airplane impacted a ditch and nosed over during the aborted landing attempt.