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Drifter brake support bracket failure
Suggested by OWNER:
dated: September 20, 1998
SUMMARY: I had an interesting experience which lead to an additional preflight item. After taking off, I looked down at my right wheel and I noticed that the brake drum had slipped half way off the brake pads. I knew that one of two things had happened. Either the retaining bolt had come out allowing the wheel to slip off the axle or the axle had broken somewhere. I knew it wasn't the first thing because I had checked the bolt in my preflight, which didn't make me feel very warm and fuzzy knowing I was going to have to land with a bad axle.
I lined up on our runway and had my most gentle landing ever, holding the bad wheel off (I'm glad my instructor taught me that) as long as possible then gently letting it touch down while squeezing the brakes.
When we propped the plane up, I grabbed the wheel and it pulled right off. The axle slips inside a sleeve which is welded to the piece which bolts to the gear leg. The weld which holds the axle in the sleeve had broken. During pre-flight, I now grab the wheels and shake them really well. Once a month, or after any hard landing, I have someone hold the wing up so I can check it
thoroughly.
This Drifter has well over 3000 hours and was used for many years as a two place trainer. It has been WELL cared for over its life. This is something other Drifter pilots may want to check. If you're not sure, the replacement part is only $55. I'm doing both sides just to be safe.
Roland Owens
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