Incident
A pilot reported that during take-off from a 2,400-foot grass runway, the aircraft struck a post, resulting in the separation of the main landing gear wheel. The aircraft then proceeded to Hillsboro, Oregon, where an emergency landing was performed on a paved runway with the landing gear still extended.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot, the aircraft was trimmed for a short-field take-off, and the windsock was checked before starting the take-off roll. Lift-off occurred approximately 1,200 feet down the runway. During the initial climb, the aircraft experienced a slight settling, but the indicated airspeed increased from 70 to 75 mph.
Beyond the departure end of the runway, there was a 5-foot-high dike, and beyond that, a 4-foot post. During climb-out, a loud bang was heard. A visual inspection revealed that the right main landing gear wheel was missing. The landing gear was left in the down position, and the aircraft was flown to Hillsboro, Oregon, where a landing was made.
Landing and Findings
During the landing on the paved runway, the stub of the landing gear caught on the runway surface, causing the aircraft to veer onto the grass and strike with the wing. The right wheel was later found at the departure airport.