# NTSB CHI96LA246: Elliot Steen Skybolt, N596E, Belleville, IL, July 24, 1996

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 23, 1996, 20:00 local (Jul 24, 1996, 01:00 UTC)
- Place: Belleville, IL
- Coordinates: 38.540462, -90.060272 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.5405&lon=-90.0603&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report September 19, 1996
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 10316
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI96LA246
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/10316/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI96LA246

## Probable cause

the inadequate weld on the landing gear by the builder/pilot.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - landing gear - inadequate (cause)
  - aircraft/equipment inadequate, owner/builder (cause)
  - landing gear,tire - separation
  - directional control - not possible, pilot in command

## Analysis

During landing the airplane's left main gear tire separated from the aircraft, causing the airplane to ground loop. Examination of the axle attachment area on the left landing gear revealed signs consistent with a lack of welding penetration during manufacture.

## Factual narrative

On July 23, 1996, at 2000 central daylight time (cdt), a experimental Steen Skybolt, N596E, was substantially damaged during landing on runway 16, at the Aero Estates Airport, Belleville, Illinois.  The airplane was on its second flight since being completed by the builder/pilot.  The pilot sustained minor injuries in the accident.  The 14 CFR Part 91 flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions, and no flight plan had been filed.

Research revealed that during landing the airplane's left wheel separated from the aircraft.  After the location of left wheel separation ground scar marks consistent with a ground loop were visible.  The airplane's lower left wing sustained a broken spar and crushing damage in the accident.

Examination of the axle attachment area on the left landing gear revealed signs consistent with a lack of welding penetration during manufacture.  No other abnormalities were noted on the airplane.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N596E](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N596E-2015-05-11), registration cancelled 2015-05-11, S/N 58296, built 1996 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: ELLIOT STEEN SKYBOLT (STEEN SKYB)
- Registry model: [Elliott John B SR STEEN SKYBOLT](https://openairdocs.org/model/elliott-john-b-sr-steen-skybolt) (registry code 0560213) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming IO-540 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-io-540-series) (registry code 41530, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane, amateur-built
- Serial number: 58296
- Airframe hours: 1
- Engines: Lycoming IO-540-G1B5 290 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: John B. Elliot
- Airworthiness certificate: Special, Experimental (Special)
- Last inspection: Annual, June 15, 1996, 1 hours before
- Departed: 7IS2
- Airport: 7IS2, Aero Estates, runway 16, 2,600 × 100 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 55; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: rear; flight hours: 420 total, 1 in this make and model, 30 in the last 90 days, 10 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 90° at 3 knots
- Visibility: 7 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 63 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: KBL, 15 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 19960723019579A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19960723019579A), Jul 23, 1996: Amtr SKYBOLT, Belleville, IL, Substantial damage. (.4)During landing the airplane's left main gear tire separated from the aircraft, causing the airplane to ground loop. Examination of the axle attachment area…

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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