# NTSB MIA85LA169: Cessna 421B, N8083Q, Lakeland, FL, May 15, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 15, 1985, 18:35 local (22:35 UTC)
- Place: Lakeland, FL
- Coordinates: 28.010732, -81.929679 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=28.0107&lon=-81.9297&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 4 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 31399
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA85LA169
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/31399/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA85LA169

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, takeoff - initial climb
  - landing gear,wheel - failure,partial (cause)
  - landing gear,wheel - separation
  - horizontal stabilizer surface - overload
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - performed, pilot in command
  - wheels up landing - intentional, pilot in command

## Analysis

DURING TAKEOFF AT LAKELAND, FL, THE LEFT MAIN WHEEL ASSEMBLY SEPARATED FROM THE ACFT & STRUCK THE LEADING EDGE OF THE HORIZONTAL STABILIZER, CAUSING SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE. THE PLT DID NOT KNOW THE WHEEL HAD COME OFF UNTIL HE WAS NOTIFIED BY ATC. HE THEN DIVERTED TO TAMPA & MADE 2 LOW PASSES TO COMFIRM THE PROBLEM. HE ELECTED TO LAND GEAR UP ON RWY 27 AT TAMPA. AN EXAM REVEALED THAT THE OUTER WHEEL BEARING HAD FAILED WHICH ALLOWED THE LEFT MAIN WHEEL TO SEPARATE FROM THE AXLE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N8083Q](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N8083Q-2018-06-26), registration cancelled 2018-06-26, S/N 421B0113, built 1970 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CESSNA 421B
- Registry model: [Cessna 421B](https://openairdocs.org/model/cessna-421b) (registry code 2076014) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental GTSIO-520-C](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-gtsio-520-c) (registry code 17035, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 421B0113
- Airframe hours: 3900
- Engines: CONTINENTAL GTSIO-520-H 375 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: N42pd-A- Partnership
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Destination: GSP, GREENVILLE, SC
- Flight plan: VFR/IFR
- Airport: LAL, Lakeland Muni, runway 23, 5,000 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 30; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: helicopter, airplane; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 3,203 total, 340 in this make and model, 3,122 as pilot in command, 230 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk
- Wind: 270° at 11 knots
- Visibility: 12 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 72 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: TPA

## 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 19850515020349A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850515020349A), May 15, 1985: Cessna 421B, Lakeland, FL, Substantial damage. Left main wheel assembly departed aircraft on takeoff. Gear up landing made. Wheel bearing assembly failed.

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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