Wheels

The tailwheel could not be steered during an annual inspection. The tailwheel had been painted; its grease fitting had been completely covered. The owner stated a technician told him not to grease the tailwheel and to tighten the nut on the bottom of the steering pivot bolt as tight as possible. Disassembly revealed all parts inside the tailwheel unit were extremely worn.

Editorial Staff

Wednesday, June 21, 2017 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Several aircraft models experienced landing gear component failures, ranging from tailwheels to main wheels and nose struts, leading to operational hazards or requiring extensive repairs.
Key contributing factors to these failures included improper maintenance practices (e.g., incorrect torque, neglected lubrication, corrosion), as well as structural and material defects (e.g., inadequate weld penetration, cracks, worn parts).
The incidents underscore the critical importance of meticulous maintenance, proper assembly procedures, and thorough inspections to ensure the airworthiness and safety of landing gear systems.