Truck loses wheel

[airline tech]

Those of you quick to blame spacers and wheel offset, please consider poor workmanship as well. Ignoring lug torque specs or simply maintenance check can do the damage as well.

I have not touched a B-777 in over 20 years, but all aircraft wheels are pretty much the same.
In this incident it's hard to say where the failure occurred. (pending investigation)
Some fleet types have a spacer between the wheel and the brake, and that spacer can stick to the wheel (off wheel) if that is missed the wheel can be installed without it and the only indication that it is not installed is a wheel shake test after install.
So, habit and experience will have you check the inner wheel when you pull it and follow M/M procedures as it will have a Caution / Warning note to ensure its presence.
Wheel Torque is a 2-step process - Initial (while spinning tire) back off and then Final (while spinning tire) then install the safety locking bolts through the nut/axle to secure the nut in place.
Torque varies by fleet, but the process between fleets is the same.

It's been about 8 years since I have changed a EMB 175 / 190 tire, so I do not remember if that fleet has a spacer or not. I have only performed On-Call for these, have the Fam on it but never worked it in depth. Did get good at the - Flt Cont. - ND nuisance message though.

So, this event can be from improper maintenance or possibly a bad wheel bearing (seized) breaking off the lock bolts and allowing the nut to loosen. Again, this will come out after the investigation is completed.
Events like this brings to light that when you sign name to a logbook you are at risk of investigation / fines / imprisonment / loss of your license or letter in your file if it is proven to be a fault of yours and is the difference of being an Auto Tech vs Aircraft Tech as long as you always follow M/M procedures and safety procedures you are golden.
Be safe and fly safe

Clarification Note:
When an aircraft tire is changed - it is a Tire/Wheel Assembly
The off tire / wheel is sent off to the back shops (most airlines) have their own to disassemble the wheel and install a new tire on it. They are cleaned and inspected with new greased bearings and seals and recertified as a serviceable part.

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[Chris M]

Here's a good one, fresh off the press.


I stopped flying years ago just because I preferred road trips but I'm certainly not going back now.

I'm not too worried about that, as I stopped flying FedEx years ago ?

 

[MountainGoat]

I'm not too worried about that, as I stopped flying FedEx years ago ?

You can save a lot of money so long as no one opens the box and finds you. Then you're in trouble.

 

[subquark]

I'm not too worried about that, as I stopped flying FedEx years ago ?

See? Another reason to have a chin chain! =p

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