Right axle failure during landing on gravel runway

Casualties unknown • Clarks Point, AK, US

A private pilot experienced an axle failure and wing damage after a wheel hydroplaned through standing water on a gravel runway.

What happened

A certificated private pilot was performing a landing in a tundra tire equipped airplane on a gravel-covered runway. At the time of the landing, approximately 2 to 3 inches of standing water stretched lengthwise along the right side of the runway.

During the landing roll, the right main wheel entered the standing water. As the pilot applied the brakes, the right wheel began to hydroplane and ceased rotating. As the aircraft continued down the runway, the non-rotating right wheel exited the water and made contact with the gravel surface. The impact of the non-rotating wheel against the gravel caused the right tire's valve stem to shear, resulting in an instant deflation of the tire. This sudden loss of pressure caused the tire to grab the surface, which subsequently broke the right axle. As a result of the failure, the right wing struck the runway, causing substantial damage to the main spar and the leading edge.

Findings

The pilot noted in a written report that the air pressure in the tire may have been slightly low due to recent cold weather.

Probable cause

The shearing of the tire valve stem and subsequent deflation caused by a non-rotating wheel contacting a gravel surface, leading to an axle failure.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2000-11-14 Cessna 180 accident near Clarks Point, AK?

A private pilot experienced an axle failure and wing damage after a wheel hydroplaned through standing water on a gravel runway.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2000-11-14 involved a Cessna 180, registration N1681C, at Clarks Point, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The shearing of the tire valve stem and subsequent deflation caused by a non-rotating wheel contacting a gravel surface, leading to an axle failure.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001226X45476. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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