Probable cause
The left main wheel locking up during the landing roll, which resulted in the deflation of the tire, the left main landing gear collapse, and the subsequent loss of control during the runway exit.
NTSB analysis
After touchdown and deceleration, as the airplane began to exit the runway, its left brake locked and the tire deflated. Shortly thereafter, the left main landing gear collapsed, and the airplane spun about the left wing. A postaccident examination revealed that the left brake appeared normal and released properly, and the left main gear turned normally while the airplane was towed. However, the left main tire had a flat spot and had been worn completely through the tread and plies, indicative of the wheel being locked during the landing roll. The left main tire subsequently deflated and the left main landing gear collapsed, which resulted in the airplane veering sharply left during the turn to exit the runway.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR13LA189 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 12, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Santa Monica, California
- Nearest airport
- Santa Monica Municipal Airport (SMO)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Beech 95-C55
- N-number
- N153NL
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.