What happened
On June 1, 2015, at approximately 10:30 local time, a Piper PA46-DLX, registration F-GZBG, was performing a private VFR landing at Ecuvillens aerodrome (LSGE). As the aircraft's wheels made contact with the runway, the left tire burst. This sudden failure caused the pilot to lose directional control during the deceleration phase. The aircraft veered sharply to the right, eventually coming to a halt on the grass area adjacent to runway 27.
The investigation
An inquiry conducted by the Swiss Transportation Safety Investigation Board (SUST) focused on the mechanical failure and the subsequent flight path of the aircraft. The investigation established that the pilot was operating the aircraft under visual flight rules for private purposes. While the pilot remained uninjured, the aircraft sustained damage to the left landing gear leg and the left tire.