Runway excursion and landing gear collapse during return to airport

No fatalities • Rock Springs, United States of America • Landing (descent or approach)

An aircraft experienced a loud explosion during climb-out, leading to an emergency return and a subsequent runway excursion and gear collapse upon landing.

What happened

During the initial climb phase, while passing through 9,000 feet, the pilot of the aircraft reported hearing a significant explosive noise originating from the right side of the plane. Following this event, the pilot initiated an immediate return to the departure airport to perform an emergency landing.

Upon touchdown, the aircraft began to drift toward the right side of the runway. Despite efforts by the pilot to maintain directional control, the plane exited the right side of the paved surface. This excursion resulted in the collapse of the right main landing gear, which subsequently impacted the upper portion of the wing structure.

Findings

Post-incident inspection of the wreckage revealed that a significant portion of the right main tire, which had only 30 hours of total service time, was located at the initial touchdown point. The investigation noted that the inner tube was largely destroyed, featuring a large blown-out section, and the valve stem was missing. Evidence including continuous S-shaped markings suggested that the tire had separated from the rim during the sequence of events.

Probable cause

The failure of the tire and valve stem during the landing sequence caused the aircraft to veer off the runway and triggered a landing gear collapse.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2001-08-09 Piper PA-60 Aerostar (Ted Smith 600) accident near Rock Springs, United States of America?

An aircraft experienced a loud explosion during climb-out, leading to an emergency return and a subsequent runway excursion and gear collapse upon landing.

Were there any fatalities in the 2001-08-09 Piper PA-60 Aerostar (Ted Smith 600) accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2001-08-09 involved a Piper PA-60 Aerostar (Ted Smith 600), registration N44JH, operated by Roeder-Johnson Corporation, at Rock Springs, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The failure of the tire and valve stem during the landing sequence caused the aircraft to veer off the runway and triggered a landing gear collapse.

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