On June 29, 1986, a Beech C23 (registration N5021M) operated by Pompano Sr.squadron Flying was involved in an aviation accident near Pompano Beach, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The cracking of the nose wheel steering housing, which jammed the nose wheel full left and caused the aircraft to veer off the runway during landing roll. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Aircraft veered off the left side of the runway during landing roll due to a cracked nose wheel steering housing that jammed the nose wheel full left.
What happened
During the approach phase, the pilot reported experiencing a complete loss of left rudder control. As the aircraft touched down and began its landing roll, it deviated sharply toward the left side of the runway. The aircraft ultimately exited the paved surface on the left side, resulting in the collapse of the nose gear assembly.
The investigation
A post-crash examination of the damaged components revealed significant structural failure within the nose gear mechanism. Specifically, the nose wheel steering housing was found to be cracked. This damage caused the nose wheel to become jammed in a full left position, which directly forced the aircraft off the runway during the landing roll.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to the accident was the mechanical failure of the nose gear system. The cracked steering housing prevented proper directional control and resulted in the nose wheel locking to the left. This condition made it impossible for the pilot to maintain the runway centerline during the critical landing phase.
Probable cause
The cracking of the nose wheel steering housing, which jammed the nose wheel full left and caused the aircraft to veer off the runway during landing roll.