On February 13, 1988, a Piper AEROSTAR 602P (registration N68915) was involved in an aviation accident near Lovelock, NV. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A non-multiengine rated pilot executing a takeoff used nose wheel steering to correct a slight right drift, resulting in a hard left swerve and departure from the runway. The flight instructor had advised that nosewheel steering was acceptable, contrary to the aircraft owner's manual.
Event Details
A takeoff was performed with a non-multiengine rated pilot occupying the left seat and a flight instructor in the right seat. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft developed a slight right drift. In response, the pilot applied nose wheel steering to correct the drift. This action caused a hard left swerve, resulting in a loss of directional control. The aircraft subsequently departed the left side of the runway.
Guidance and Manual Information
The pilot's decision to use nose wheel steering was influenced by the accompanying flight instructor, who had led the pilot to believe that such use was acceptable during takeoff. However, the aircraft owner's manual contained a specific warning: "Nosewheel steering is not recommended for takeoff since there is a tendency to oversteer the takeoff run."