Incident Overview
During takeoff from Lubbock, Texas, the number three wheel assembly separated from the axle of an aircraft. The aircrew continued the flight to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where the aircraft landed without further incident.
Maintenance History
Company maintenance records indicated that the wheel assembly had last been replaced on August 16, 1995.
Examination Findings
Post-flight examination of the aircraft revealed that the axle nut was intact on the axle along with the tang washer. The axle nut locking ring was also found in place. The outer bearing had deteriorated, with only its inner race remaining, while the inner bearing remained intact on the axle.
Further examination of the components determined that an incorrect inner bearing had been installed inadvertently by the wheel assembly supplier on the number three wheel assembly. Specifically, a Timken part number 594 bearing was installed in place of the correct Timken part number 596 bearing.