Skyhawk 172/Cutlass 172
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Commercial
Training / Qualification
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Ground Event / Encounter Loss Of Aircraft Control; Ground Excursion Runway
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged
Human Factors; Aircraft
During landing I applied the short-field landing technique due to a relatively short runway distance. I also apply a maximum braking force. The aircraft then began to veer off to the left and I was unable to bring it back to centerline. The aircraft stopped on the runway pavement edge with all wheels on the grass; and unable to move. After shutdown engine I found out that the left main tire was flat. I immediately made an announcement on CTAF and called Approach to let them know about my aircraft; and have them issue a NOTAM. With the help of local people; we were able to push the aircraft off the runway area onto the grass; but I decided not to cancel the NOTAM due to the aircraft tail still [being] near the runway area.The probable cause for a flat tire could be that I applied the brake too hard on landing without realizing that the wheel was locked causing the tire to [fail]. The feeling of locked wheel was hard to notice especially on [the] rough runway surface.
C172 pilot reported loss of directional control and a runway excursion after landing due to a failed tire probably related to heavy braking.