Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary CHI08CA111

Onida, SD, USA

Aircraft #1

N8888V

VELDHUIZEN Highlander

Analysis

The pilot reported that during the takeoff, the tailwheel airplane swerved to the right and the right main wheel separated from the landing gear. The airplane then spun about 270 degrees before coming to a stop. The airplane was equipped with large-diameter, low-pressure tires commonly used for operations from unimproved fields. Examination confirmed that the field was rough. However, no evidence could be found that the landing gear encountered an obstruction in the field. Several tubes that were part of the fuselage structure were bent.

Factual Information

The airplane was substantially damaged during an attempted takeoff from a rough farm field. Several tubes that were part of the fuselage structure were bent. The pilot reported that during the takeoff, the tailwheel airplane swerved to the right and the right main wheel separated from the landing gear. The airplane then spun about 270 degrees before coming to a stop. The airplane was equipped with large-diameter, low-pressure tires commonly used for operations from unimproved fields. Examination confirmed that the field was rough. However, no evidence could be found that the landing gear encountered an obstruction in the field.

Probable Cause and Findings

The separation of the right main wheel from the landing gear during takeoff for an undetermined reason.. Contributing to the accident were rough/uneven terrain and that directional control was not possible.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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