Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The separation of the left wheel from the landing gear assembly during the landing touchdown, which precipitated a loss of directional control, runway excursion, and nose over.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot reported that during the landing, the left main landing gear wheel separated from the landing gear assembly. The pilot had made a three point landing, and stated that "I may have hit a deer," because he "saw 5 or more deer on south side of runway centerline," prior to landing. He reported that the "airplane traveled to left side of runway despite brake and full right rudder." The bi-plane departed the left side of the runway and nosed over, sustaining substantial damage to the right wing and both the right and left wing struts.
A postaccident examination of photographs of the landing gear provided by the pilot, showed that the wheel separated from the landing gear assembly along a welded joint. There was no evidence of impact prior to the separation.
The pilot reported there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA15CA226