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NTSB Report
December 8, 1991 · John W Upton SA-300 · N85JU
Leon, WV
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 8, 1991
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Leon, WV
Aircraft
John W Upton SA-300
Tail Number
N85JU
Operator
John W Upton
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
BFO92LA012
THE PILOT WAS ON THE SECOND FLIGHT OF THE DAY IN HIS HOMEBUILT AIRCRAFT WHEN THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED. HE HAD DEPARTED EARLIER TO PRACTICE SOME AEROBATIC MANEUVERS AND WAS RETURNING TO THE GRASS STRIP WHEN DURING LANDING THE RIGHT MAIN WHEEL SEPARATED FROM THE STRUT. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRCRAFT BY THE FAA REVEALED THAT THE STRUT SEPARATED FROM THE MAIN WHEEL DUE TO DEFECTIVE WELDING. THE ACCIDENT AIRCRAFT HAD A TOTAL OF 7 HOURS SINCE OVERHAUL.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE DEFECTIVE WELDING BETWEEN THE AXLE AND THE WHEEL ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE RIGHT MAIN GEAR TO COLLAPSE.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT WAS ON THE SECOND FLIGHT OF THE DAY IN HIS HOMEBUILT AIRCRAFT WHEN THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED. HE HAD DEPARTED EARLIER TO PRACTICE SOME AEROBATIC MANEUVERS AND WAS RETURNING TO THE GRASS STRIP WHEN DURING LANDING THE RIGHT MAIN WHEEL SEPARATED FROM THE STRUT. EXAMINATION OF THE AIRCRAFT BY THE FAA REVEALED THAT THE STRUT SEPARATED FROM THE MAIN WHEEL DUE TO DEFECTIVE WELDING. THE ACCIDENT AIRCRAFT HAD A TOTAL OF 7 HOURS SINCE OVERHAUL.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:06 EST
Nearest AirportLeon Field (0nm N)
Runway0
Runway Length3100 ft
Runway Width45 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftJohn W Upton SA-300
Tail NumberN85JU
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJohn W Upton
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-360-A1A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 40 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind210° @ 7 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 6000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 48
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time21:51
Weather SourceWFAC