SA-227 AC Metro III
Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Situational Awareness; Troubleshooting
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR
Aircraft Aircraft Damaged; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem
Aircraft; Human Factors
Upon landing I got out to go do my post flight and chock the aircraft and I noticed the front right wheel missing from aircraft after taxiing in and parking on the ramp. During the first flight of the day I noticed more power was needed to move forward out of my spot. I asked another pilot over company to take a look at my wheels to make sure I was not dragging anything as I wanted to be sure. They stated no; everything appeared to look fine. I then thought about how I'm used to lighter loads and thought it was just a heavy plane that took more power. After takeoff I noticed there was a vibration and I am accustom to the other aircraft I fly having an unbalanced wheel and that's nothing that can be flown with and I'd let maintenance know when I get back. (Now I realize this should have been the first sign of something not right). The rest of the morning went uneventful. ZZZ to ZZZ1 went uneventful besides strong winds. When I landed at ZZZ1 like always I got out; chocked; spun down then loaded up. Everything looked normal. Then landed in to ZZZ2 [Runway] XXL. Parked and then when I got out is when I noticed the wheel missing. I called Dispatch as well as Maintenance to get everything written up and I was released. I don't have any suggestions besides when I notice something (like the extra power being needed or vibration from a wheel) I will immediately try and communicate with Maintenance and get it double checked. Dispatch and Maintenance on the cargo ramp was phenomenal help and I want to thank them for their assistance.
SA-227 Captain reported a nose wheel was lost during takeoff and confirmed post flight.