Casualties unknown

Takeoff Incident Involving Nosewheel Steering Malfunction During Expedited Departure (N773FT)

Dfw Airport, TX, US

On April 16, 1983, a Douglas DC-8-63F (registration N773FT) was involved in an aviation accident near Dfw Airport, TX. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

During an expedited takeoff, the captain experienced a loss of nosewheel steering control, causing the aircraft to veer left and depart the runway despite corrective actions. Subsequent inspection revealed normal operation of steering, brakes, and thrust reversers.

Incident Overview

The captain of the aircraft reported being asked to expedite the takeoff due to traffic on short final. In response, he advanced the throttles to partial power to perform a rolling takeoff.

Sequence of Events

As the aircraft accelerated, the nose wheel crossed the runway centerline to the right. The captain corrected by applying left nosewheel steering. When the nose wheel reached the centerline, he attempted to steer back to the right, but the aircraft did not seem to respond and the nose continued moving left. The aircraft's speed was increasing, and the power remained set. The captain placed both hands on the nosewheel steering control, but it would not move. He then ordered the first officer to reduce power. Subsequently, the captain applied full right rudder and braking but was unable to stop the aircraft before it left the runway.

Post-Inspection Findings

When the aircraft was ferried for an inspection, the co-pilot of that flight stated that the nosewheel steering, brakes, and thrust reversers all operated normally.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X42671. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.