This March 2007 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Aircraft: Piper Cherokee.
Location: Atlanta.
Injuries: None.
Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The pilot said the short flight was uneventful until landing. As the airplane touched down it began to pull to the left. The pilot applied right rudder and aileron to regain control of the aircraft, but was unsuccessful.
The Piper went off the runway and the left wing hit an airport sign.
The post-accident inspection revealed the airplane’s left tire was flat.
Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control of the airplane while landing with a flat main tire.