On January 21, 1987, a Cessna 172N (registration N4901G) operated by Ate OF Florida,inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Fort Worth, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The nose gear strut was serviced to 10 PSI instead of the minimum of 45 PSI that was required by the aircraft maintenance manual. 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.
After what the student pilot perceived as a normal touchdown, the nose gear strut depressed excessively, causing the aircraft to veer off the runway. The nose gear tire blew and the aircraft struck a VASI light, collapsing the nose gear. Investigation revealed the strut was serviced to 10 PSI instead of the required minimum of 45 PSI.
Event Description
During a landing, the student pilot reported that the nose gear strut depressed more than normal following what was thought to be a normal touchdown. The aircraft subsequently veered off the runway. As control was lost, the nose gear tire blew. The aircraft continued and struck a VASI light, causing the nose gear to collapse.
Investigation Findings
An investigation into the incident revealed that the nose gear strut had been serviced to a pressure of 10 PSI. This was significantly below the minimum of 45 PSI that was required by the aircraft maintenance manual. The underinflation of the strut led to its abnormal depression upon landing, which contributed to the loss of directional control and the subsequent damage.
Probable cause
The nose gear strut was serviced to 10 PSI instead of the minimum of 45 PSI that was required by the aircraft maintenance manual.
What happened in the 21 Jan 1987 Cessna 172N accident near Fort Worth, TX?
After what the student pilot perceived as a normal touchdown, the nose gear strut depressed excessively, causing the aircraft to veer off the runway. The nose gear tire blew and the aircraft struck a VASI light, collapsing the nose gear. Investigation revealed the strut was serviced to 10 PSI instead of the required…
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 21 Jan 1987 involved a Cessna 172N, registration N4901G, operated by Ate OF Florida,inc., at Fort Worth, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The nose gear strut was serviced to 10 PSI instead of the minimum of 45 PSI that was required by the aircraft maintenance manual.
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