THOMAS J MURRAY KITFOX SUPER SPORT
Old Forge, NY — September 21, 2017
Event Information
| Date | September 21, 2017 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA17CA554 |
| Event ID | 20170924X04048 |
| Location | Old Forge, NY |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 43.72528, -74.97611 |
| Airport | OLD FORGE |
| Highest Injury | MINR |
Aircraft
| Make | THOMAS J MURRAY |
| Model | KITFOX SUPER SPORT |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 2 |
| None | 0 |
| Total Injured | 2 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The separation of the wheel assembly during landing due to the pilot’s use of improper retaining nuts when he installed the tundra tires.
Full Narrative
According to the pilot in the experimental amateur built, tailwheel-equipped airplane, he touched down on a turf surface runway and the airplane bounced.
When the airplane descended to the surface, the right main landing gear wheel and brake assembly separated from the landing gear leg. The pilot reported that the airplane "skidded down" the runway and nosed over.
He reported that he had recently installed tundra tires on the airplane, and that the four bolts that came with the tundra tire kit, were not long enough to properly secure the wheel and brake assembly to the landing gear leg. He recalled that he used four bolts that were longer, however, they were not provided by the manufacturer. He asserted that the nuts that were used to retain the bolts were provided in the wheel assembly kit.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right-wing strut and the left-wing spar.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.