Primary finding
Probable cause
The loss of airplane directional control during landing as a result of a tire failure, and the subsequent collision with soft terrain.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The approach for landing on the grass airstrip was normal. The pilot stated: 'at touchdown...[i] felt [a] wobble on the right side....[the] aircraft settled and veered to the right, consistent with a blown tire.' the pilot was unable to maintain directional control. The right landing gear impacted soft terrain and spun the airplane around. An FAA inspector found the right main tire tube valve stem sheared.
Source record
Factual narrative
On Monday, May 23, 1994, at 1230 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 305A, N5234G, registered to and piloted by George S. Parker, sustained substantial damage during a landing at the Grasso Airpark, Franklin, Virginia. The pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight was being conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. During the landing on the grass runway, the pilot was unable to maintain directional control after touchdown, and the airplane veered to the right and impacted soft terrain. The fuselage was twisted during this collision. The pilot stated: At touchdown [the] aircraft bounced slightly. [I] felt wobble on the right side....Aircraft settled and veered to right, consistent with blown tire. Mr. Edward L. Hall, an Air Safety Inspector for the Federal Aviation Administration, examined the airplane. In his report, Mr. Hall stated: The [right] tire tube was found to have the valve stem sheared at the base attachment of the valve stem. The overall condition of the tire was good. -