Fremont, OH, USA
N2254A
Piper PA-20
The pilot was conducting closed traffic. While compensating for a "light" right crosswind, he executed a normal approach. The airplane touched down, and then started to pull hard to the right. The airplane exited the runway, and ground looped to the right, with the left wing and elevator impacting the ground. Examination of the right tire revealed a cut consistent with impacting a sharp object. The runway was searched for the object, but nothing was found. Prior to the flight, the pilot inspected the tires, noting no anomalies. He did not inspect all of the right tire because the airplane was equipped with wheel fairings.
On February 9, 2002, about 1500 eastern standard time, a Piper PA-20, N2254A, was substantially damaged while landing at the Sandusky County Regional Airport (S24), Fremont, Ohio. The certificated private pilot and passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal local flight. No flight plan was filed, and the flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. According to the pilot, he was conducting closed traffic to runway 6. While compensating for a "light" right crosswind, the pilot executed a normal approach. The airplane touched down, and then started to pull hard to the right. The pilot applied full left rudder and brake, but could not maintain directional control. The airplane continued in a "tight" arc to the right, leaving the runway on an angle of about 40 degrees. The right main landing gear then contacted some mud at the edge of the runway. The airplane "pivoted" hard to the right causing the airplane to "tilt" left, and the left wing to impact the ground. The airplane came to a stop pointed towards the runway, about 10 feet to the right. The pilot and passenger then exited. The pilot examined the right tire and noticed what appeared to be a cut. He and his passenger then walked the runway to find what may have caused the damage, but were unsuccessful. Prior to the flight, the pilot preflighted the tires, but did not notice any anomalies. He added that the airplane was equipped with wheel fairings, and that they may have concealed the damage. According to a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, the damage to the right tire was consistent with impacting a sharp object. In addition, the left wing spar and elevator were damaged.
Damage to the right tire, which resulted in a sudden loss of tire pressure and a loss of directional control.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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