Probable cause
A loss of directional control during the landing roll due to the left wheel seizing from insufficient grease in the left wheel bearing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that during the landing roll the left wheel locked up, the nosewheel shimmied, and the airplane pulled to the left. The pilot tried to correct with right rudder; however, the airplane veered off the runway, rolled down a small hill, and came to rest in a drainage ditch. Substantial damage was not found until February 15, 2024, when the airplane underwent an annual inspection. During the annual inspection, a crack was found in the lower fuselage that ran up the aft spar to the back passenger seat.
A postaccident examination of the left wheel revealed that the left wheel bearing lacked sufficient grease, which resulted in the left wheel seizure.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN23LA429 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 14, 2023
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Muncie, Indiana
- Nearest airport
- Delaware County Rgnl (MIE)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cirrus Design Corp SR20
- N-number
- N653GS
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 2006
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
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.