Pilot Debrief

PIPER AIRCRAFT INC PA-44-180 near Saint James, MN — 2025-05-10

Final reportCEN25LA174
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Date
2025-05-10
Location
Saint James, MN, USA
Airport
JYG
Aircraft
PIPER AIRCRAFT INC PA-44-180
Registration
N453MK
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The failure of the left main landing gear tire casing and tube due to excessive wear which resulted in a loss of directional control during the landing.

NTSB narrative

The flight instructor and pilot-receiving-instruction reported that upon landing, the airplane immediately veered left followed by a noticeable vibration. The flight instructor attempted to correct with opposite rudder, however, the left veer continued, and the airplane struck a runway edge light which collapsed the left main landing gear. The airplane departed the runway surface and came to rest upright in the grass. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing. Postaccident examination found that the left tire had excessive wear and a flat spot in the casing with a corresponding 2” hole. Additionally, ground scars observed prior to the runway edge light showed that the tire casing had separated from the tire rim. It is likely the tire was in a near flat condition during the landing which resulted in the loss of directional control.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 4 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents4

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