NTSB Factual Report

On November 26, 2003, at 1110 eastern standard time, an American Champion 7GCBC, N297JB, collided with the terrain following a loss of directional control while landing on runway 32 (5,100 feet by 100 feet, dry asphalt) at the Menominee-Marinette Twin County Airport (MNM), Menominee, Michigan. The airplane was substantially damaged and the pilot was not injured. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The local flight originated from MNM, at 1050.

The pilot reported that during his takeoff roll he felt a "slight bump" on the left side of the airplane which felt like he ran over something. He likened the "bump" to running over a stone with a car. He reported he disregarded the "bump" and continued the takeoff. Following a local flight he returned to the airport for a landing. He reported that upon landing, "an object was hit by the left main tire, a bang was heard from what I assumed was an object hitting the left side of the fuselage." He reported that at the same time, the airplane pulled to the left. He applied "hard" right rudder and power with the intention of taking off. However, he reported, the airplane veered to the right with the right wing contacting the ground. The airplane skidded sideways for about 150 feet coming to rest off the departure end of runway 32.

A Federal Aviation Administration inspector conducted a post-accident investigation. The inspector found punctures on the inside sidewall of the left tire. The inspector stated a small Phillips screwdriver was found on the runway 32 near the point of takeoff.

NTSB Probable Cause

The Phillips screwdriver impacting the left tire on takeoff roll, and the deflated tire which did not allow directional control to be maintained during the subsequent landing.