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NTSB Report
September 18, 1984 · Pickel Smith Miniplane Smith MINI · N5023D
Covington, IN
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 18, 1984
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Covington, IN
Aircraft
Pickel Smith Miniplane Smith MINI
Tail Number
N5023D
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI84LA393
THE PILOT STATED AFTER THE ACCIDENT THAT DURING THE LANDING ROLL THE LEFT WHEEL SEPARATED FROM THE AIRCRAFT. THE AIRCRAFT SLID APRX 40 FEET AND NOSED OVER. THE PLT STATED THAT HE HAD REMOVED THE MAIN LANDING GEAR APRX 10 HRS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT TO REPACK THE WHEEL BEARINGS. HE STATED THAT HE HAD TROUBLE REINSTALLING THE AXLE RETAINING NUT SO THAT THE COTTER KEY HOLE IN THE NUT MATCHED THE ONE IN THE AXLE. HE REDRILLED AND ENLARGED THE HOLE IN THE RETAINING NUT. THIS ALLOWED THE COTTER KEY TO FIT THROUGH THE RETAINING NUT BUT WITH THE NUT SET AT ITS PROPER TORQUE, IT DID NOT GO THROUGH THE HOLE.
Full Narrative
THE PILOT STATED AFTER THE ACCIDENT THAT DURING THE LANDING ROLL THE LEFT WHEEL SEPARATED FROM THE AIRCRAFT. THE AIRCRAFT SLID APRX 40 FEET AND NOSED OVER. THE PLT STATED THAT HE HAD REMOVED THE MAIN LANDING GEAR APRX 10 HRS PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT TO REPACK THE WHEEL BEARINGS. HE STATED THAT HE HAD TROUBLE REINSTALLING THE AXLE RETAINING NUT SO THAT THE COTTER KEY HOLE IN THE NUT MATCHED THE ONE IN THE AXLE. HE REDRILLED AND ENLARGED THE HOLE IN THE RETAINING NUT. THIS ALLOWED THE COTTER KEY TO FIT THROUGH THE RETAINING NUT BUT WITH THE NUT SET AT ITS PROPER TORQUE, IT DID NOT GO THROUGH THE HOLE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:15 CDT
Nearest AirportFULTON (0nm N)
Runway0
Runway Length2600 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftPickel Smith Miniplane Smith MINI
Tail NumberN5023D
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · C-85 · Reciprocating · 85
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 46 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind250° @ 4 kt
Visibility30 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO