Pilot Debrief

PIPER PA-46-500TP near Monroe, NC — 2013-11-24

Final reportERA14LA071
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Date
2013-11-24
Location
Monroe, NC, USA
Airport
EQY
Aircraft
PIPER PA-46-500TP
Registration
N4185L
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot’s operation of the airplane with underinflated tires, which resulted in the right tire’s failure during takeoff and a subsequent runway excursion.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that, during the takeoff roll and at rotation speed, the right main landing gear tire failed. He aborted the takeoff, and the airplane departed the right side of the runway. The ground around the runway edge was uneven due to airfield construction, and the wings bounced as the airplane departed the runway surface, which resulted in substantial damage to the right aileron. The right main tire was found failed at the accident site. The left main tire pressure was measured with a tire gauge, and it registered 40 pounds per square inch (psi); 55 psi was required by the manufacturer. The nose tire was also underinflated. Subsequent examination of the tire at the manufacturer's facility revealed no preexisting manufacturing anomalies or foreign-object damage. The damage to the right tire and inner tube were consistent with underinflation during operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Ensuring proper tire pressure before takeoff could have prevented the tire failure.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents10

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