# NTSB FTW82DA297: Piper PA-25-235, N8937L, Santa Rosa, NM, July 26, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Final report
- Date: July 25, 1982, 18:15 local (Jul 26, 1982, 00:15 UTC)
- Place: Santa Rosa, NM
- Coordinates: 34.940422, -104.670158 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.9404&lon=-104.6702&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report July 25, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 72543
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW82DA297
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/72543/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW82DA297

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, landing - roll
  - landing gear,wheel - loose (cause)
  - maintenance,installation - improper, other maintenance personnel (cause)
  - landing gear,wheel - separation (cause)
- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not possible, pilot in command
  - ground loop/swerve - uncontrolled, pilot in command

## Analysis

WHILE LANDING, THE AIRCRAFT SWERVED OFF THE RUNWAY AND RECEIVED SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE. AN INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT THE RIGHT MAIN WHEEL HAD COME OFF THE AXLE. A CLOSER EXAMINATION REVEALED THAT THE RETAINING NUT AND THE COTTER PIN, WHICH HOLDS THE NUT IN PLACE, WERE MISSING.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8937L](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N8937L), registered now, S/N 25-5402, built 1971 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: PIPER PA-25-235
- Registry model: [Piper PA-25-235](https://openairdocs.org/model/piper-pa-25-235) (registry code 7102504) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming O-540-B2C5](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-o-540-b2c5) (registry code 42338, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 25-5402
- Airframe hours: 3373
- Engines: LYCOMING O-540-B2B5 235 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Ferry, Part 91
- Operator: Alan J. Kiser
- Registered owner: Alan J. Kiser
- Departed: TUCUMCARI, CA
- Destination: LOS ANGELES, CA
- Airport: Q58, Santa Rosa Municipal, runway 26, 4,400 × 50 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 48; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 850 total, 21 in this make and model, 6 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Temperature: 194 °F

## 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 19820725058059A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820725058059A), Jul 25, 1982: Piper PA25235, Santa Rosa, NM, Substantial damage. Right main wheel came off axle causing pilot to lose directional control during landing.

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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