On July 16, 1984, a Boeing 727-200 (registration N464DA) was involved in an aviation accident near Chicago, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Fatigue crack propagation of numerous prior cracks in the lower surface of the inner bearing journal, which led to axle failure and subsequent separation of the number two wheel assembly during takeoff. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
An aircraft experienced a wheel assembly separation during takeoff, prompting a diversion to Atlanta for an uneventful landing. Investigation revealed axle failure from fatigue cracks.
What happened
The number two wheel assembly separated from the aircraft while it was accelerating down the runway for takeoff. The flight crew responded by diverting to Atlanta, Georgia. Upon arrival, the aircraft landed without further incident.
The investigation
A post-landing inspection of the aircraft revealed that the axle had failed. Metallurgical analysis determined that the failure was caused by fatigue crack propagation originating from numerous prior cracks located on the lower surface of the inner bearing journal.
Probable cause
Fatigue crack propagation of numerous prior cracks in the lower surface of the inner bearing journal, which led to axle failure and subsequent separation of the number two wheel assembly during takeoff.
