Pilot Debrief

AERONCA 7EC near Big Bear City, CA — 2011-03-11

Final reportWPR11CA157
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Date
2011-03-11
Location
Big Bear City, CA, USA
Airport
L35
Aircraft
AERONCA 7EC
Registration
N2349E
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's improper maintenance, which resulted in a wheel separating from the airplane during takeoff, and the airplane's subsequent nose over during the landing rollout.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that prior to takeoff, he removed the left main landing gear wheel because its tire had a slow air leak. The pilot, who held a Federal Aviation Administration issued airframe and powerplant mechanic certificate, replaced the tube and reinstalled the wheel. He indicated that when performing this maintenance, he did not properly secure the wheel’s retaining nut with a cotter pin. During the takeoff roll, the attachment nut unscrewed and the wheel separated from the axle and airplane. The pilot flew around the area for about 30 minutes in an effort to burn off fuel. Upon landing, the airplane veered left off the runway and nosed over, breaking wing ribs and a lift strut.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 1 docket document
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents1

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