Date: 201512
Local time of day: 0601-1200
Location: ZZZ.Airport, US
Flight conditions: VMC
Weather elements / visibility: 10
Light: Daylight
Aircraft: Learjet 55
Operator: Air Taxi
Operating under: Part 135
Flight plan: IFR
Mission: Passenger
Flight phase: Takeoff / Launch
ATC / advisory: Tower ZZZ
Aircraft component: Spoiler System
Component problem: Malfunctioning
Reporter organization: Air Taxi
Reporter function: Captain; Pilot Flying
Reporter qualification: Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Human factors: Situational Awareness; Distraction
Second reporter function: Pilot Not Flying; First Officer
Anomaly: Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor; Ground Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control
Detector: Person Flight Crew
When detected: In-flight
Result: Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; Flight Crew Rejected Takeoff
Contributing factors: Aircraft
Primary problem: Aircraft

Narrative: I was departing with an IFR flight-plan. I was acting as PIC. We had 2 passengers on board. On our takeoff roll; we experienced a flashing amber 'spoiler' light in the cockpit prior to V1; and I elected to abort the takeoff roll. On our subsequent takeoff; we experienced the same flashing amber 'spoiler' light and again I elected to abort the takeoff. At this point I felt and heard a 'thud' and began to lose some directional control of the airplane to the left of the runway centerline. I was able to keep it on the runway and was able to stop the airplane on the runway and it was at this point I saw smoke coming from underneath the airplane. I immediately called for an emergency evacuation and got everyone out of the airplane on the runway and away from the airplane. Approximately 5 minutes later; crash; fire and rescue showed up.

Callback: The reporter indicated that the noise was due to the failure of the inner tire on the right hand main landing gear. Damage was also noted on the landing gear axle and the right hand flap.

Second narrative: In our departure briefing the Captain stated that prior to 80 knots we would abort a takeoff for any abnormality; between 80 knots prior to V1 we would consider an abort for an engine fire; engine failure; loss of directional control; or inadvertent thrust reverser deployment. After V1 we would continue flying and if needed burn off excess fuel to land under max landing weight. Upon initial take off roll we saw an amber flashing spoiler light prior to V1. We aborted the takeoff utilizing the thrust reversers and then exited the runway. We then taxied over to the run-up area. I ran the after clearing checklist while the Captain did a test of the spoiler system. After the test came back normal we taxied back to attempt another take off.During the takeoff roll; we saw an amber flashing spoiler light prior to V1. The Captain immediately aborted the takeoff utilizing the thrust reversers. As we began to slow we heard and felt a thud. The airplane began to slide to the left. As the plane rolled to a stop we saw smoke coming from under the belly of the aircraft. I saw the Captain immediately shut off the inverters and batteries as I shut off the igniters. We then began an emergency evacuation. Rescue services arrived about 3-4 minutes after.


Synopsis: Air Taxi LR-55 pilots reported two rejected takeoff attempts due to a spoiler fault prior to V1. During the second rejected takeoff; a tire failure caused a momentary loss of directional control on the runway. Smoke was reported from under the aircraft; so an evacuation was initiated.