Ultralight aircraft wheel failure, ultralight aircraft wheel bearing failure, ultralight aircraft rim failure.

Aircraft:
All ultralight aircraft using the wheels shown in these photographs.

Problem area:
Wheels

Incident report:
Several ultralight pilots flying various ultralight aircraft have reported problems with the wheels used on their aircraft.

The run damage on the outer rim is caused by under inflation and a hard landing. The damage to the centre is caused by excessive side load on landing.

Suggestions:
Check your wheels during preflight for any signs of abnormal wear. Also check your tire pressure on a regular basis.

To much pressure results in the rims breaking where the bolts hold them together.

To little pressure results in the outer rim and bearing areas being damaged.

Another problem is that the lock nuts holding the two rim halves together will back off allowing the tube to get pinched between the two halves, resulting in a flat tire.

Check these nuts during your routine preflight.