History of Flight
On September 30, 2010, at about 1555 Pacific daylight time, a Piper PA-46-350P, registration N90SE, was substantially damaged when it veered off the runway during landing at Felts Field (SFF), Spokane, Washington. The commercial pilot and the four passengers were not injured. The cross-country business flight was conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 in visual meteorological conditions. No flight plan was filed.
The flight departed from Richland Airport (RLD), Richland, Washington, with SFF as its destination. After touching down in what the pilot described as a normal landing on runway 3L, the airplane began a skidding turn to the right. The pilot stated that he was unable to correct the turn. The airplane departed the right side of the runway, and the right main landing gear struck a runway light, damaging the landing gear and the right wing.
Personnel Information
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) records showed that the pilot held a commercial pilot certificate with single-engine land, multiengine land, and instrument ratings, as well as a flight instructor certificate with single-engine and multiengine land ratings. The pilot reported 4,593 total flight hours, including 1,240 hours in the accident airplane make and model. His most recent flight review was completed in August 2009.
Aircraft Information
The airplane, manufactured in 1989, was registered to the pilot in 2006. FAA documentation listed a Lycoming IO-540 series reciprocating engine, but information from Piper, the pilot, and the FAA inspector indicated the airplane was equipped with a PT-6A series turbine engine. The reason for the discrepancy was not determined. At the time of the accident, the airplane had accumulated about 1,742 total hours. Its most recent inspection was completed in October 2009.
Meteorological Information
The 1553 automated weather observation at SFF reported calm winds, clear skies, temperature 27°C, dew point 8°C, and an altimeter setting of 29.95 inches of mercury.
Airport Information
According to the FAA Airport/Facility Directory, runway 3L was concrete, measuring 4,500 feet by 150 feet.
Wreckage and Impact Information
The airplane came to rest about 1,400 feet beyond the landing threshold, with the left wing tip approximately even with the right edge of the runway. The FAA inspector reported that the valve of the inner tube on the right main landing gear tire had fractured-separated from the tube; the separated valve was recovered. Both main landing gear tires had tread depths within allowable tolerances, with no indications of abnormal braking or skidding. The left main tire pressure was 53 psi (optimum 55 psi). The inspector noted that wear and cracking on the separated valve stem indicated an earlier partial separation. No slippage of the right tire on the wheel was observed.
Additional Information
The failed inner tube was a Goodyear Tire brand "Butyl Aircraft Tube" (size G15/6.00/-6), manufactured in March 2008. The pilot reported it was installed in early April 2009, accumulating about 295 hours and 107 cycles in service, with about 137 hours since its most recent inspection. The tube was examined by Goodyear and Bridgestone. A joint finding documented that a small area of a manufacturing splice had opened, allowing the tube to deflate and slip with respect to the wheel, tearing off the valve. The valve had a cap/extension 1 3/4 inches long (the standard VC5 cap is 1/2 inch). Goodyear stated it was unknown if this cap was approved for aviation use. A Piper representative confirmed the VC5 cap was standard but noted that extension caps were known to be installed. The representative provided no adverse effects from such an installation. Tire manufacturer and FAA guidance indicate that inner tubes should never be reused due to growth and permanent set; no evidence of reuse was found, but it could not be disproved.