Piper Aircraft Inc PA-46-500TP N3061J accident near Alabaster, Alabama

Probable cause

The pilot’s delay in aborting the takeoff following the loss of directional control early in the takeoff roll due to a deflated left main landing gear tire.

NTSB analysis

The pilot reported that, while taxiing the airplane onto the runway with the flaps extended for takeoff, he applied power and then began the takeoff roll. While the airplane was at 60 knots and on the runway centerline, he noticed a sudden pulling to the left and "excessive vibration." He applied full right rudder for about 1 to 2 seconds with no effect. Unable to regain directional control, he reduced power, placed the propeller to the "beta" position, and pulled on the control yoke while applying full brakes and right rudder input. Runway marks indicated that the airplane began veering left about 1,000 ft down the runway, continued off the left side of the runway, and then remained in the grass for about 500 ft. The airplane then travelled back onto the runway, began veering left again, and then continued off the left side of the runway into the grass, turned right, travelled back onto the runway again, and then came to rest upright about 2,761 ft from the approach end of the runway.

Both main landing gear tires were found deflated, and the tube of the left main tire was found in numerous pieces. Examination of the airplane about 10 days after the accident revealed that the nose landing gear tire was inflated to 55 pounds per square inch (psi); the minimum specification is 70 psi. Given witness statements indicating that they heard takeoff power being applied up to the point of the second runway excursion and the distance between the location of the first point of loss of directional control and the resting position of the airplane (about 1,761 ft), it is likely that the pilot did not abort the takeoff until after the second runway excursion. If the pilot had aborted the takeoff immediately after the first runway excursion, it is likely that the airframe would not have been damaged. The pilot's report of the airplane pulling left and vibrating early in the takeoff roll is consistent with a deflated left main landing gear tire.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA14LA149 for the full record.