Pilot Debrief

RALPH MARINE DEVIL DOG near Danville, AR — 2017-08-03

Final reportCEN17LA312
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Date
2017-08-03
Location
Danville, AR, USA
Airport
32A
Aircraft
RALPH MARINE DEVIL DOG
Registration
N165AB
Category
Trike
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Landing

Probable cause

A separation of the left tire from its wheel because of the use of an improper substance and wheel size, which resulted in a loss of directional control during landing.

NTSB narrative

The noncertificated pilot, who was the owner of the experimental weight shift control aircraft, stated that he was practicing a series of takeoff and landings called "crow hops" when the left main landing gear tire separated from the wheel rim. The aircraft then veered off the runway and rolled onto its side. The pilot stated that the previous airplane owner had put liquid fix-a-flat in the left tire, which is a product not to be used in aircraft tires. The pilot said that liquid fix a flat will corrode the aluminum of the landing gear wheels and allowed the tire to spin on the wheel during braking. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed the presence of liquid flat repair called "slime," and that the diameter of the main landing gear wheel was relatively small compared to the tire, which likely resulted in slippage of the tire from the wheel.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Use of inappropriate tire repair substance by previous owner.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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