Amateur-built KITFOX SUPER SPORT N233TD accident near Old Forge, New York

Probable cause

The separation of the wheel assembly during landing due to the pilot’s use of improper retaining nuts when he installed the tundra tires.

NTSB analysis

According to the pilot in the experimental, amateur-built, tailwheel-equipped airplane, he touched down on a turf surface runway, and the airplane bounced. When the airplane descended to the surface, the right main landing gear wheel and brake assembly separated from the landing gear leg. The pilot reported that the airplane "skidded down" the runway and nosed over.

The pilot reported that he had recently installed tundra tires on the airplane and that the four bolts that came with the tundra tire kit were not long enough to properly secure the wheel and brake assembly to the landing gear leg. He recalled that he used four bolts that were longer; however, they were not provided by the manufacturer. He asserted that the nuts he used to retain the bolts were provided in the wheel assembly kit.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right-wing strut and the left-wing spar.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA554 for the full record.