History of the Flight
On 14 June 2014 at approximately 0905 hours local time, a Cessna 152 aircraft, registration 4R-DJD, operated by Millennium Airlines, conducted a solo circuit training flight from Colombo Airport, Ratmalana. The student pilot proceeded south of the airfield to an area used for general training. Upon returning, during an attempted landing, the pilot felt an abnormality and heard a peculiar noise similar to metal shearing on tarmac. Looking to the left, the pilot observed that the port (left) wheel was missing. The pilot initiated a go-around and performed a circuit, then landed at 0945 hours local time using the starboard (right) wheel and nose wheel, touching the left strut at low speed.
Aircraft and Personnel Information
The aircraft was a Cessna 152, serial number 15284370, registered in Sri Lanka with a valid Certificate of Airworthiness until 23 April 2015. The student pilot held a Student Pilot Licence issued on 11 December 2013, aged 18 years, with a total flying experience of 36.8 hours, including 7.5 hours solo.
Meteorological Conditions
The weather at the time of the incident was clear with a sunny morning, no ceiling, and visibility reported as 10 km or more (CAVOK). The surface wind was reported at 280 degrees at 10 knots at the time of touchdown.
Damage and Injuries
The left wheel detached from the aircraft, fell, and was damaged beyond use. The strut broke at the end and required replacement. The runway was not damaged. No injuries were reported; only one crew member (the student pilot) was on board.
Investigation Findings
The left wheel was subsequently found by Milleniya Police at Paragasthota, Milleniya, Sri Lanka, on the same day. Communication between the flight and ATC was found satisfactory. No unserviceability of navigation aids was reported. The runway condition was asphalt with standard markings.
Probable Causes
The investigation determined that the probable causes of the incident were the detachment of the left main wheel due to fatigue failure, leading to a resultant impact that initiated a Mode III overload failure.