Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, as a result of a flat left main landing gear tire.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
According to the pilot, when the airplane touched down on the runway, he felt a vibration followed by the airplane pulling to the left. The pilot added right brake in attempt to realign the airplane; however, it continued to the left and exited the left side of the runway. The airplane traversed over the gravel adjacent to the runway and into brush, where it came to rest. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the airplane’s left main landing gear tire was flat. No other anomalies were noted that would have precluded normal flight.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that when the airplane touched down on the runway he felt a vibration followed by the airplane pulling to the left. The pilot added right brake in attempt to realign the airplane; however, it continued to the left and exited the left side of the runway. The airplane traversed over the gravel adjacent to the runway and into brush, where it came to rest. Post accident examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed that the airplane’s left main landing gear tire was flat. No other anomalies were noted that would have precluded normal flight.