Probable cause
The pilot's inability to maintain aircraft control due to the failure of the left main landing gear wheel, which resulted in the separation of the wheel from the aircraft.
NTSB analysis
The student pilot was conducting his first solo flight. During the rollout after his third landing, the aircraft began to pull to the left. The pilot attempted to maintain directional control but the left main gear separated, causing the aircraft to nose over onto its back. The left main wheel and brake caliper were located several hundred feet behind the aircraft, along the rollout path. A mechanic who inspected the aircraft after the accident reported that the inner wheel half was broken around the brake disc mounting flange. The mechanic stated that there was no bluing from excessive heat or any signs that the bearings had failed.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN09LA384 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 24, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Llano, Texas
- Nearest airport
- Llano Municipal (AQO)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Stinson 108-3
- N-number
- N6939M
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.