Boeing Co B727

On 10 June 2003, during a routine maintenance inspection between flights, the
number-3 main landing gear wheel of a Boeing Commercial Aircraft Co. 727 freight
aircraft, registered VH-VLH, was found cracked through the central hub body
around the inboard bearing position. Some associated damage had been sustained
by the brake unit as a result of the hub failure, however the tyre had not deflated.
The adjacent number-4 wheel was undamaged. Following removal from the aircraft,
the aircraft operator forwarded the wheel assembly to the Australian Transport
Safety Bureau on 01 July 2003, for evaluation and analysis of the failure and
consideration of the likely contributory factors.