Narrative:

Takeoff normal up through around 70 kts and directional control displayed signs of slight compromise. At first we perceived it as the current x-wind component; but immediately acceleration appeared to change slightly with a light lumping motion from the left main around 80 kts. The abort was called; and the directional control became an issue and a challenge. The tower was immediately notified of our problem. The lump motion and noise increased with distance; and we had a left wing down condition from the deflated tire. Sic did a great job keeping the aircraft on the runway by heavy use of the right rudder and brake application plus normal use of thrust reverser's; but it developed into a crab condition pulling hard to the left. It was apparent that stopping was imperative. Slowing through a comfortable taxi speed; it worked out perfectly to turn onto the final taxiway and clear the hold short line. We used approximately 4000 feet of runway; but it felt like we used much more due to the directional control impairment of the failed main tire. The aircraft was then stopped; secured; and evacuated. Fire rescue vehicles were on scene in seconds. After approximately 5 to 10 minutes of standing around the plane and accessing any damage; the right main tire fuse plug melted; and deflated the right main. Now at this point; the aircraft was sitting on the taxiway with 2 flat tires. Additional notes: 1. This airport has only one runway. We could have shutdown this airport for several hours trying to remove the plane from the runway.2. Limited maintenance people and no equipment for jacking or dollies. The fire and rescue personnel with their equipment are your only resource. 3. The captain is highly respected and becomes the responsible party for coordinating the plan for securing and repositioning the aircraft. 4. After several ideas of how to tow our plane with two flat tires; our best solution was to have the fire rescue personnel use their jaws of life; and cut the tires off the rims. 'Tug the plane on the rims.' which was a little time consuming; but it was uneventful; and didn't damage the aircraft. A tire failure on a single main wheel airplane can have serious consequences. Directional control becomes priority affecting runway length and width plus throw in a crosswind component. It's an eye opener! Fortunately this scenario happened at a slower speed. I can't imagine the outcome at a higher airspeed; or even out of a landing event with a blown tire.

Google
 

Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: BE400 flight crew experienced directional control problems and a suspected main tire failure during takeoff roll. Takeoff was successfully rejected and the aircraft able to clear the runway.

Narrative: Takeoff normal up through around 70 kts and directional control displayed signs of slight compromise. At first we perceived it as the current x-wind component; but immediately acceleration appeared to change slightly with a light lumping motion from the left main around 80 kts. The abort was called; and the directional control became an issue and a challenge. The Tower was immediately notified of our problem. The lump motion and noise increased with distance; and we had a left wing down condition from the deflated tire. SIC did a great job keeping the aircraft on the runway by heavy use of the right rudder and brake application plus normal use of thrust reverser's; but it developed into a crab condition pulling hard to the left. It was apparent that stopping was imperative. Slowing through a comfortable taxi speed; it worked out perfectly to turn onto the final taxiway and clear the hold short line. We used approximately 4000 feet of runway; but it felt like we used much more due to the directional control impairment of the failed main tire. The aircraft was then stopped; secured; and evacuated. Fire rescue vehicles were on scene in seconds. After approximately 5 to 10 minutes of standing around the plane and accessing any damage; the right main tire fuse plug melted; and deflated the right main. Now at this point; the aircraft was sitting on the taxiway with 2 flat tires. Additional notes: 1. This airport has only One Runway. We could have shutdown this airport for several hours trying to remove the plane from the Runway.2. Limited maintenance people and no equipment for jacking or dollies. The Fire and Rescue personnel with their equipment are your only resource. 3. The Captain is highly respected and becomes the responsible party for coordinating the plan for securing and repositioning the aircraft. 4. After several ideas of how to tow our plane with two flat tires; our best solution was to have the Fire Rescue personnel use their Jaws of Life; and cut the tires off the rims. 'Tug the plane on the rims.' Which was a little time consuming; but it was uneventful; and didn't damage the aircraft. A tire failure on a single main wheel airplane can have serious consequences. Directional control becomes priority affecting runway length and width plus throw in a crosswind component. It's an eye opener! Fortunately this scenario happened at a slower speed. I can't imagine the outcome at a higher airspeed; or even out of a landing event with a blown tire.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.