What happened
On 2 September 2002, a Reims Cessna F182Q Skylane, registration G-BLEW, was involved in a ground incident during a private flight at White Waltham Airfield, Berkshire. While taxiing for departure, the pilot noted an unusual noise that synchronized with the rotation of the mainwheel. After an initial inspection of the landing gear revealed no obvious defects, the pilot continued the taxi.
As the aircraft lined up on Runway 11 and reached a speed of approximately 50-55 kt, the noise recurred and the aircraft began to veer to the right. In response, the pilot reduced engine power and attempted to steer the aircraft off the runway surface. During the deceleration, the right mainwheel appeared to seize, bringing the aircraft to a halt. There were no injuries to the two occupants, though the aircraft sustained damage to the right mainwheel, brakes, and wheel spat.
The investigation
The AAIB examined the components of the wheel assembly, which consists of two flanges secured by cap-screaries tightened to a specific torque. These components were sent to a maintenance organization for analysis. The investigation found no physical evidence of component failure. However, because the parts were inspected in isolation, the exact sequence of the mechanical failure could not be definitively established.
Records indicated that the wheel had been last disassembled and reassembled in September 2001 during the aircraft's annual maintenance check. The maintenance organization noted that it was possible the cap-screws had not been correctly tightened during that previous reassembly process.