Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's improper maintenance, which resulted in a wheel separating from the airplane during takeoff, and the airplane's subsequent nose over during the landing rollout.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that prior to takeoff, he removed the left main landing gear wheel because its tire had a slow air leak. The pilot, who held a Federal Aviation Administration issued airframe and powerplant mechanic certificate, replaced the tube and reinstalled the wheel. He indicated that when performing this maintenance, he did not properly secure the wheel’s retaining nut with a cotter pin. During the takeoff roll, the attachment nut unscrewed and the wheel separated from the axle and airplane. The pilot flew around the area for about 30 minutes in an effort to burn off fuel. Upon landing, the airplane veered left off the runway and nosed over, breaking wing ribs and a lift strut.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot reported that prior to takeoff, he removed the left main landing gear wheel because its tire had a slow air leak. The pilot, who holds an airframe and powerplant mechanic certificate, reported that after replacing the tube he reinstalled the wheel on his airplane. He indicated that when performing this maintenance, he did not properly secure the wheel’s retaining nut with a cotter pin. During his subsequent takeoff roll, the attachment nut unscrewed, and the wheel separated from the axle and airplane. The pilot flew around the area for about 30 minutes burning off fuel. Upon landing, the airplane veered left off the runway and nosed over, breaking wing ribs and a lift strut.