Preliminary Report: Commander loss of control

ROCKWELL AERO COMMANDER 690A, OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLA., FEB. 16, 2004– Aero Commander N690TD sustained substantial damage following a loss of control during the takeoff roll from Wiley Post Airport (PWA) near Oklahoma City. The twin turboprop took off at 7:30 a.m. headed for Adams Field (LIT) in Little Rock, Ark. The ATP pilot and passenger were not injured. An IFR flight plan was filed for the Part 91 business flight, although VMC prevailed.

During the takeoff roll, approximately 1,250 feet from the departure end of Runway 17L, the left main landing gear tire failed. The airplane veered to the left of the runway and came to rest in a field. The airplane sustained damage to the left main landing gear, the left propeller and the left wing spar.