On August 20, 1995, a Beech 65-B80 (registration N8347N) operated by Skydive Anderson, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Anderson, IN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: seizure of the landing gear wheel bearing and separation of the landing gear outer wheel-half and tire from the aircraft after which directional control of the aircraft by the pilot was not possible. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During takeoff roll, the aircraft veered left after a loud noise, as the left main landing gear wheel assembly failed. The outer wheel half separated, and the axle dug into the turf runway, causing both main gear to collapse.
Event Description
The aircraft experienced a loss of directional control during the takeoff roll. It skidded sideways, veered off the runway into an agricultural field, and both main landing gear assemblies collapsed.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that the takeoff was normal until the aircraft speed reached 70-75 miles per hour, when he heard a loud noise from the left side of the aircraft. The aircraft then veered to the left. The pilot retarded the engine throttles to idle and applied right rudder control and right wheel brake but was unable to maintain directional control.
Inspection Findings
Inspection determined that the wheel assembly on the left main landing gear had broken into two parts. The outer wheel half and the tire separated from the aircraft, and the landing gear axle dug into the turf runway. Further investigation revealed that the outer bearing of the wheel that failed had seized for undetermined reasons, and the bolts holding the wheel halves together had failed.