Casualties unknown

1982-02-25: Swearingen SA-227 (N192MA) — Midstate Airlines — Chicago, IL

Chicago, IL, US

On February 25, 1982, a Swearingen SA-227 (registration N192MA) operated by Midstate Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Chicago, IL. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft veered right after nosewheel touchdown on landing at destination, despite full left brake and rudder. Nose gear steering actuator showed no malfunction. Safety bulletins emphasize proper nosewheel steering procedures.

Background

A pilot reported that at the departure airport, the runway was slippery and the turn onto the runway was difficult. The nosewheel steering was activated momentarily to straighten the nose, but was turned off prior to the takeoff roll.

Incident Details

At the destination airport, the aircraft was landed at approximately 115 knots. As soon as the nosewheel touched the runway, the aircraft veered to the right. The pilot applied full left brake and rudder, which did not correct the swerve.

Investigation Findings

The nose gear steering actuator was examined, and no evidence of malfunction was revealed.

Safety Bulletins

According to the company safety bulletin and aircraft manufacturer bulletin, the nose wheel steering switch must be off and the nose wheel must be verified to caster (by displacing the nose of the aircraft left or right using brakes and/or asymmetric engine power) prior to takeoff. This procedure is to be performed before every takeoff while turning onto the runway. Additionally, the nose wheel steering must not be armed until the subsequent landing is completed and aircraft speed is reduced below 10 knots.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X01898. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.