# NTSB CHI91LA303: Champion 7ECA, N5164T, Newark, IL, September 25, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 25, 1991, 09:30 local (14:30 UTC)
- Place: Newark, IL
- Coordinates: 41.530319, -88.579872 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.5303&lon=-88.5799&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 31, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 15193
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI91LA303
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/15193/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI91LA303

## Probable cause

A SHEARED OLEO PISTON RETAINING PIN WHICH ALLOWED THE WHEEL TO FALL OUT.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, landing - flare/touchdown
  - landing gear,main gear shock absorbing strut - sheared (cause)
  - landing gear,main gear shock absorbing strut - separation
- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff
  - landing gear,main gear - missing
  - directional control - not possible

## Analysis

ON LIFTOFF FROM A TOUCH-AND-GO LANDING, THE PISTON ROD OF THE RIGHT MAIN GEAR OLEO EXTENDED BEYOND ITS TUBE, FREEING THAT MAIN WHEEL TO FALL TO A TRAIL POSITION. THE PILOT LANDED FULL STOP ON THE LEFT MAIN AND TAIL WHEELS. THE OLEO PISTON RETAINING PIN WHICH CONNECTS THE ROD SHEARED IN COMPRESSION. PORTIONS OF THE OLEO ASSEMBLY SHOWED PREVIOUS DAMAGE AND WEAR, WHILE THE O-RING SEAL WAS NEWER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5164T](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N5164T), registered now, S/N 178, built 1966 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CHAMPION 7ECA
- Registry model: [Champion 7ECA](https://openairdocs.org/model/champion-7eca) (registry code 21101NN) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-235 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-235-series) (registry code 41505, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 178
- Airframe hours: 1755
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-C1 115 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Instructional, Part 91
- Operator: Flying C Leasing, Ltd, doing business as Cushing Field, Ltd
- Registered owner: Flying C Leasing, Ltd
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal; Standard, Aerobatic
- Last inspection: Annual, September 11, 1991, 17 hours before
- Airport: 0C8, Cushing Field, runway 18, 2,831 × 180 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 25; flight instructor, commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: rear; flight hours: 953 total, 160 in this make and model, 850 as pilot in command, 348 in the last 90 days, 114 in the last 30 days, 6 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 230° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Temperature: 52 °F, dew point 46 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: ARR, 16 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19910925046819A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910925046819A), Sep 25, 1991: Bbavia 7ECA, Newark, IL, Substantial damage. Right main oleo strut and wheel fell off on takeoff. Landed on left main. Piston retaining pin broke. Piston worn.

## Other investigations on N5164T (1)

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

- [NTSB CHI75DEM07](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI75DEM07), Aug 24, 1974: Champion 7ECA (N5164T), Linwood, MI, substantial damage

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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