NTSB Factual Report

On May 24, 2008, approximately 1400 eastern daylight time, a Beechcraft A-36, operated by a commercial rated pilot, was substantially damaged when the airplane departed the left side of the runway after landing at Chesapeake Airport (KCPK), Norfolk, Virginia. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident and the flight was was being conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 without a flight plan. The pilot and three passengers were not injured during the accident. The local flight originated from Springfield, Tennessee, at 1100 central daylight time.

The reported weather at the time of the accident was sky clear, visibility 10 miles, winds from 040 degrees at 7 knots, and altimeter of 29.97 inches of mercury.

The flight had touched down and after about 50 feet of ground roll the left tire blew. The aircraft veered off the left side of the runway and hit a runway light and the concrete base, which was about 3-4 inches above the ground. The left wing rear spar was broken in half. The left tire was found flat after the accident and did not exhibit excessive wear or any "bullseye" type failure typical of a locked wheel.

NTSB Probable Cause

The failure of the left main landing gear tire for undetermined reasons.