On October 28, 1984, a Cessna 172 (registration N66964) was involved in an aviation accident near Chicago, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to operate an aircraft with a known nose wheel shimmy, which resulted in a violent shimmy upon landing, a blown nose tire, and subsequent damage to the firewall. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A private pilot flew an aircraft with a known nose wheel shimmy despite operator warnings. Upon landing, violent shimmying blew the nose tire and damaged the firewall.
What happened
The private pilot reported that he was aware of a mechanical issue with the aircraft's nose wheel prior to the flight. Specifically, he noted a shimmy in the nose gear assembly. Despite this known defect, the operator advised him that it was safe to proceed with the flight.
Upon landing, the situation deteriorated rapidly. When the nose wheel made contact with the runway surface, it began to shimmy violently. This intense vibration caused the nose tire to blow out immediately upon touchdown. Subsequent inspection of the aircraft revealed significant damage to the firewall as a result of the incident.
Probable cause
The pilot's decision to operate an aircraft with a known nose wheel shimmy, which resulted in a violent shimmy upon landing, a blown nose tire, and subsequent damage to the firewall.
What happened in the 28 Oct 1984 Cessna 172 accident near Chicago, IL?
A private pilot flew an aircraft with a known nose wheel shimmy despite operator warnings. Upon landing, violent shimmying blew the nose tire and damaged the firewall.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 28 Oct 1984 involved a Cessna 172, registration N66964, at Chicago, IL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's decision to operate an aircraft with a known nose wheel shimmy, which resulted in a violent shimmy upon landing, a blown nose tire, and subsequent damage to the firewall.
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