Piper PA-46-500TP N4185L accident near Monroe, North Carolina

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 analysis

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.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA14LA071 for the full record.