On May 23, 1994, a Beech 65 (registration N6166Y) operated by Perkins Smith Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Pensacola, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Improper nuts on the through-bolts for the split rim and possible over-inflated tires. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During taxi, an aircraft's nosewheel assembly disintegrated, and a rim fragment struck a ground observer, severing his leg. Investigation found improper nuts on through-bolts and possible tire over-inflation.
Incident Overview
While taxiing, the pilot initiated a left turn shortly after beginning to move. During this maneuver, the aircraft's nosewheel assembly catastrophically failed, with the rim splitting apart. One of the split rim pieces struck a ground observer, causing the severance of his leg.
Investigation Findings
Post-incident examination revealed that the nuts securing the through-bolts on the split rim were not the correct type. Additionally, the tires may have been inflated beyond their recommended pressure. The aircraft's maintenance records were found to be incomplete, hindering the investigation's ability to determine when the improper nuts were installed or who performed the installation. The investigation was unable to identify the responsible party for the incorrect hardware.
Conclusion
The examination identified improper nuts on the through-bolts of the nosewheel split rim and possible over-inflation of the tires as contributing factors to the assembly failure.
Probable cause
Improper nuts on the through-bolts for the split rim and possible over-inflated tires.