Accident Description
After landing, the ferry pilot applied reverse propeller thrust to slow the airplane. At that time, the airplane yawed left, and the right main landing gear wheel and tire separated from the gear. The airplane continued on the right main landing gear strut until it departed the right side of the runway.
Examination Findings
Examination of the right main landing gear tire revealed that the tire was still on the rim and fully inflated; however, the center hub section of the wheel was missing. The owner said the left yaw following propeller reversal is normal, and that full right rudder is required to maintain directional control. The wheel and broken pieces associated with the wheel were recovered and forwarded to the Safety Board's Materials Laboratory in Washington, DC, for examination. The appearance of the fracture surfaces was consistent with overstress fracture, with no evidence of a preexisting crack. Additionally, the wheel displayed signatures consistent with excessive side load.