On September 26, 1990, a Schweizer G-164B (registration N36303) operated by Sherman, Richard E. was involved in an aviation accident near Minturn, SC. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control during the landing roll following a pre-existing fracture in the right main gear wheel. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot returning from a crop-dusting mission noticed missing tire components after touchdown. The aircraft nosed down as the damaged strut contacted the runway surface.
What happened
The pilot was operating an aircraft following a flight to sprayed fields and initiated a return to the airstrip. During the approach, he observed that the right tire and half of the wheel assembly were missing. After touchdown on the runway, the right landing gear strut remained extended and did not fully compress immediately. The strut continued to hold the airframe off the ground until the aircraft's speed decreased sufficiently. Once the strut finally contacted the runway surface, it dragged along the pavement, causing the airplane to pitch forward and nose down.
The investigation
Post-accident examination of the landing gear revealed that the wheel had suffered a fracture prior to the incident. The pilot recalled experiencing a hard landing approximately six weeks before this event, which likely contributed to the structural failure of the wheel component.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain control during the landing roll following a pre-existing fracture in the right main gear wheel.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 26 Sept 1990 Schweizer G-164B accident near Minturn, SC?
A pilot returning from a crop-dusting mission noticed missing tire components after touchdown. The aircraft nosed down as the damaged strut contacted the runway surface.
Were there any fatalities in the 26 Sept 1990 Schweizer G-164B accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 26 Sept 1990 involved a Schweizer G-164B, registration N36303, operated by Sherman, Richard E., at Minturn, SC.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain control during the landing roll following a pre-existing fracture in the right main gear wheel.
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