On March 21, 1998, a Cessna A185F (registration N9620Q) was involved in an aviation accident near Homer, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control. Factors in the accident are the sheared valve stem/deflation of the tire, and subsequent fracturing of the associated wheel. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Aircraft bounces on landing, then ground loops left after left wheel vibration. Post-accident inspection reveals sheared valve stem and fractured wheel halves. No pre-existing anomalies found.
Incident Overview
During landing on a dry, paved runway, the airplane bounced once. The pilot reported that as the airplane settled, the left wheel began to vibrate, and the aircraft subsequently ground looped to the left.
Post-Accident Inspection
Following the incident, an inspection revealed that the inner tube inflation valve stem had sheared off, and both wheel halves were fractured. No preaccident mechanical anomalies were identified during the examination.
Maintenance History
The wheels had been installed 4.5 service hours and 7 landings prior to the event.
Conclusion
The investigation did not determine a probable cause for the incident.