AERONCA 7EC
Big Bear City, CA — March 11, 2011
Event Information
| Date | March 11, 2011 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | WPR11CA157 |
| Event ID | 20110310X20826 |
| Location | Big Bear City, CA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 34.26389, -116.85611 |
| Airport | Big Bear City |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | AERONCA |
| Model | 7EC |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
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.
Full 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 holds an airframe and powerplant mechanic certificate, reported that after replacing the tube he reinstalled the wheel on his airplane. He indicated that when performing this maintenance, he did not properly secure the wheel’s retaining nut with a cotter pin. During his subsequent 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 burning off fuel. Upon landing, the airplane veered left off the runway and nosed over, breaking wing ribs and a lift strut.
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.