Stinson 108-2 N9569K accident near Port Alsworth, Alaska

Probable cause

The overstress fracture and failure of a main landing gear wheel during landing, resulting in the right wing striking the ground.

NTSB analysis

The pilot was on a personal cross-country flight and had landed at an off-airport site. While taxiing to park, the right wheel broke and the plane tipped on its right wing. The right wing, wing spar, and aileron were damaged when the wing struck the ground. He reported no mechanical problems with the airplane prior to the accident. A postaccident examination of the broken wheel showed the center of the wheel casting adjacent to the inner bearing race had fractured around its circumference, and the casting piece and bearing race had separated from the wheel, allowing the axle to pivot. An examination at the National Transportation Safety Board's materials laboratory revealed features indicative of overstress separation of the flange. No indications of fatigue, corrosion or other preexisting conditions were noted.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC10LA081 for the full record.