On September 4, 2012, a PIPER PA-22-108 operated by REETZ DUANE W was involved in an aviation accident near Lewiston, ID. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s inadequate postmaintenance and preflight inspections, which resulted in the separation of the left main wheel after takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the improperly secured left main wheel spindle nut. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
After being advised that a main wheel fell off after departure, a pilot continued to his destination, burned off fuel, then landed. The airplane veered right, exited the runway, and nosed over, damaging the wing spar.
Incident Overview
Following departure from an uncontrolled airport, the pilot was informed by airport personnel that the left main wheel and tire had separated from the airplane. Despite this, the pilot elected to continue to the intended destination airport. Upon arrival, the pilot flew the aircraft to reduce fuel weight before initiating a landing on runway 30.
Landing and Subsequent Events
During the landing roll, the airplane began to pull to the right. It departed the right side of the runway and subsequently tipped onto its nose. The accident resulted in substantial damage to the right wing spar.
Pilot's Observations
The pilot reported that he had examined the main wheel bearings two days prior to the flight to verify correct spindle nut tension. He believes that the left wheel spindle nut cotter pin was either inadvertently omitted or not installed correctly during the reinstallation of the wheel on the airplane. The pilot noted that a more thorough inspection of the wheel bearing service work should have been performed, and that a more comprehensive preflight inspection could have identified the issue before departure.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 4 Sept 2012 PIPER PA-22-108 accident near Lewiston, ID?
After being advised that a main wheel fell off after departure, a pilot continued to his destination, burned off fuel, then landed. The airplane veered right, exited the runway, and nosed over, damaging the wing spar.
Were there any fatalities in the 4 Sept 2012 PIPER PA-22-108 accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 4 Sept 2012 involved a PIPER PA-22-108, operated by REETZ DUANE W, at Lewiston, ID.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot’s inadequate postmaintenance and preflight inspections, which resulted in the separation of the left main wheel after takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the improperly secured left main wheel spindle nut.