Airplane Exited The Left Side Of The Runway, Rolled Down A Small Hill, And Came To Rest In A Drainage Ditch

Location: Muncie, IN Accident Number: CEN23LA429
Date & Time: July 14, 2023, 19:30 Local Registration: N653GS
Aircraft: Cirrus Design Corp SR20 Injuries: 1 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On July 14, 2023, at 1930 central day light time, a Cirrus SR20, N653GS, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident at Delaware County Regional Airport (MIE) in Muncie, Indiana. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot reported that upon touchdown, the airplane veered left, and the nosewheel began to shimmy. The pilot put in full right rudder to keep the airplane on the runway, but the airplane exited the left side of the runway, rolled down a small hill, and came to rest in a drainage ditch. 

The pilot stated that he believed the left main landing gear tire seized due to a mechanical malfunction, and the airplane veered to the left. Substantial damage was not found until February 15, 2024, when the airplane underwent an annual inspection. During the annual inspection, a crack was found in the floor behind the pilot seat that ran up the aft spar to the back passenger seat. 

The airplane was retained for further examination.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov