What happened
The pilot reported that the right brake failed while the aircraft was on final approach and during the landing roll. As a result of this failure, the aircraft began to veer sharply to the left. The pilot attempted to maintain directional control, but the aircraft eventually came to rest with significant damage to the landing gear assembly. Specifically, the right main wheel had broken off completely from its mounting point.
The investigation
A thorough examination of the aircraft was conducted to determine the root cause of the mechanical failure. Investigators discovered that incorrect hardware had been used during previous maintenance or repair work. The wrong type of bolts were utilized to mount the axle to the gear leg, which compromised the structural integrity of the connection.
Furthermore, the investigation revealed a violation of manufacturer specifications regarding the assembly of the landing gear. Four alignment shims had been installed between the axle and the gear leg. However, the Cessna service manual explicitly allowed for the use of only three shims. This deviation from the prescribed maintenance procedure likely contributed to the improper fit and subsequent failure.
Findings
The primary contributing factor was the improper installation of landing gear components. The use of incorrect bolts and an excessive number of alignment shims violated the Cessna service manual requirements. These maintenance errors prevented the axle from being securely mounted, leading to the detachment of the right main wheel during the high-stress phase of landing.
Safety message
Strict adherence to manufacturer service manuals is critical for aircraft safety. Maintenance personnel must ensure that only approved hardware and the correct number of components are used during assembly. Deviations from specified procedures can lead to catastrophic mechanical failures.