On October 29, 1985, a Saab-fairchild SF340A (registration N342AM) operated by Air Midwest was involved in an aviation accident near Lincoln, NE. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The absence of a retaining nut washer on the left main landing gear outboard wheel assembly allowed the wheel to shift sideways and separate from the axle during the landing roll. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During landing roll at Lincoln Airport, the outboard wheel of the left main landing gear separated. Investigation revealed a missing retaining nut washer; the wheel had been changed 10 days prior.
Incident Overview
During the landing roll at Lincoln Airport, the outboard wheel of the left main landing gear separated from the axle. The aircraft was not hampered in its landing roll and was able to taxi without further incident.
Investigation Findings
Examination of the landing gear assembly revealed that a retaining nut washer was not installed on the assembly. This omission allowed the wheel to shift sideways and subsequently fall free from the axle.
Maintenance History
Maintenance records showed that the wheel had been changed 10 days prior to the flight. The absence of the retaining nut washer was identified as the direct cause of the wheel separation.
Probable cause
The absence of a retaining nut washer on the left main landing gear outboard wheel assembly allowed the wheel to shift sideways and separate from the axle during the landing roll.
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