ATL04IA067

Factual narrative

On December 26, 2003, at 1115 central standard time, a Saberliner, N124DC, registered to and operated by Drummond Company Inc., loss the right main wheel during landing on runway 27 at Birmingham International Airport, Birmingham, Alabama. The personal flight was conducted under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed. The airline transport pilot and co-pilot were not injured. The airplane sustained minor damage. The flight departed Savannah International Airport, Georgia, on December 26, 2003, at 1030. After landing at the Birmingham International Airport, Alabama it was discovered that the right main wheel was missing off of the landing gear assembly. Further examination of the right main wheel revealed that the bearings had failed and the wheel passed over the axle assembly. The Birmingham Flight Standards District Office of the Federal Aviation Administration requested assistance with the metallurgical examination of the right main landing gear bearing assembly. Examination of the outer bearing revealed temperature exposure and severe rubbing. The examination of the bearing assembly also revealed that no grease or lubricant was present on the fragmented pieces of the bearing. Review of maintenance records showed the last inspection on the right main landing gear wheel assembly was conducted on August 8, 2003. The inboard cup was replaced on August 13, 2003. After landing at the Birmingham International Airport, Alabama it was discovered that the right main wheel was missing off of the landing gear assembly. Further examination of the right main wheel revealed that the bearings had failed and the wheel passed over the axle assembly. The Birmingham Flight Standards District Office of the Federal Aviation Administration requested assistance with the metallurgical examination of the right main landing gear bearing assembly. Examination of the outer bearing revealed temperature exposure and severe rubbing. The examination of the bearing assembly also revealed that no grease or lubricant was present on the fragmented pieces of the bearing. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12