What happened
The aircraft was operating on the downwind leg of the traffic pattern when the pilot initiated a left turn. During the roll-out phase of this maneuver, the pilot encountered a jammed rudder control. Because the specific aircraft model utilizes an aileron-rudder interconnect system, full aileron authority was compromised by the rudder failure. This mechanical coupling induced a considerable aerodynamic buffet as the pilot attempted to level the wings.
Unable to maintain controlled flight, the aircraft entered a rapid descent in a left spiral. The aircraft impacted the ground approximately 400 feet down the centerline of runway 36. Following the initial impact, the airframe traveled an additional 150 feet after leaving the paved surface before coming to rest inverted in rough terrain.
The investigation
Post-acc examination of the landing gear assembly revealed critical maintenance deficiencies. Investigators found that the protective boot on the nose strut was missing. Furthermore, the nose gear bearing lacked necessary lubrication and exhibited significant corrosion. These conditions likely contributed to the rudder control jamming during the maneuver.
Findings
The sequence of events indicates that the loss of control was directly linked to the mechanical failure of the nose landing gear system. The absence of the protective boot allowed environmental contaminants to reach the bearing, leading to corrosion and seizure. This mechanical binding prevented proper rudder operation, which, due to the interconnect system, also restricted aileron effectiveness.
- Missing protective boot on the nose strut
- Corroded nose gear bearing lacking lubrication
- Jammed rudder control during downwind turn
- Loss of directional control leading to ground impact