What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2014-06-04 involved a Jodel D140, registration F-BOPT, at FR.

Right Main Wheel Detachment During Takeoff Roll Leads to Ground Loop (F-BOPT)

On June 4, 2014, a Jodel D140 (registration F-BOPT) was involved in an aviation accident near FR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The lack of inspection following a ski removal operation and the absence of a maintenance procedure providing for checking the tightness of the wheel retaining plug screws led to the detachment of the right main wheel during the takeoff roll. This summary draws on records from the French Bureau d'Enquêtes et d'Analyses (BEA).

Sourcesthe French Bureau d'Enquêtes et d'Analyses (BEA)Primary reportUpdated 1785058346Data API Editorial standards

During a training flight in a Jodel D140, the right main wheel detached during takeoff roll at Sollières-Sardières aerodrome, causing a ground loop and substantial damage. The investigation found missing retaining plug screws.

Flight Sequence

On June 4, 2014, at 10:20 local time, an instructor and two pilots departed from Grenoble-Le Versoud aerodrome (38) for a training flight aimed at renewing their mountain ‘wheel’ qualification. They performed takeoffs and landings at several high-altitude landing strips. During the takeoff roll on runway 02 at Sollières-Sardières aerodrome (73, unpaved), the right main wheel detached. The aircraft ground looped and came to a stop.

Findings

Aircraft Examination

Examination revealed:

The retaining plug at the end of the right wheel axle was missing and not found.
On the left main landing gear, one of the two retaining plug screws was missing; the other was in place but loose.
The right landing gear leg and wheel showed no pre-accident damage.
The wheel fairing supports were not installed on the aircraft.

Maintenance Operation and Inspections

F-BOPT was equipped with skis during the winter. The skis had been removed ten hours before the accident by a newly hired maintenance technician who was not familiar with this type of installation. During the initial ski installation, the original wheel fairing supports had been removed and replaced by a wheel retaining plug, which also served as a bearing for the ski axle. The plug was held in place by two screws with lock washers. As the club decided not to reinstall the wheel fairings, the retaining plugs remained in place.

Without a work card, instructions for removing the skis were given verbally. After removal, the inspection consisted of a taxi test and brake efficiency check. The technician did not pay particular attention to the wheel retaining plugs, as he had not been required to modify them during the maintenance operation. No check of these plugs, their screws, or their tightness was planned; the ski documentation only covered installation/removal and directly related checks. The flight manual does not require a visual check of the retaining plug screws during the pre-flight inspection.

Conclusion and Causes

The lack of inspection following the ski removal operation and the absence of a maintenance procedure providing for checking the tightness of the wheel retaining plug screws, along with the associated work card, led to the detachment of the right main wheel during the takeoff roll.

Probable cause

The lack of inspection following a ski removal operation and the absence of a maintenance procedure providing for checking the tightness of the wheel retaining plug screws led to the detachment of the right main wheel during the takeoff roll.

Maintenance error

2014-06-04: Jodel D140 (F-BOPT) — FR