What happened
On February 17, 2020, an Embraer ERJ190-100 IGW, registration LV-CHQ, arrived at Rosario International Airport from Ezeiza. The flight proceeded without incident during the landing phase on runway 02. However, as the aircraft taxied via Bravo taxiway toward its assigned parking position, ground personnel discovered that the left side of the nose landing gear was missing its wheel.
The detachment of the wheel, along with various seals and the outer bearing of the wheel hub, left debris scattered across the runway and the adjacent areas. There were no injuries among the 97 passengers or the 5 crew members on board.
The investigation
JST investigators examined the wreckage and the remaining nose gear components. Pressure measurements of both the detached wheel and the remaining wheel showed 135 psi. The wheel and bearings were sent to the manufacturer, Meggitt, for specialized analysis.
Technical examinations focused on the condition of the axle and the hub. The investigation looked into three potential failure scenarios for the bearing: insufficient lubrication, damage to the bearing cage caused by improper tools, or excessive torque. While the lubricant levels were found to be within technical specifications, the investigation scrutinized the maintenance history of the component, which had been replaced 95 cycles prior in Mendoza.
Additionally, the investigation reviewed the airport's emergency response. It was noted that the identification of the event as an aviation incident was delayed, and the communication protocols established in the airport's emergency plan were not strictly followed.
Findings
- The nose wheel detached during the landing phase because the axle nut became loose, allowing the wheel to slide off the axle.
- The primary cause was identified as inadequate torque applied to the wheel nut during the installation process.
- Maintenance procedures required the use of two specific torque wrenches, but the task was performed using only one wrench of an incorrect type and range.
- The failure of the outer bearing led to a misalignment of the wheel assembly, eventually causing the nut to detach.
- There were deficiencies in the airport's emergency response, specifically regarding the timely identification of the incident and adherence to communication protocols.