On August 24, 1995, a Cessna 152 (registration N89694) operated by William Buckley was involved in an aviation accident near Lumberton, MS. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the rod end bolt from the right nose steering linkage due to bending overstress. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During takeoff, a student pilot reported the airplane veered left despite right rudder input. After aborting, the airplane nosed over. FAA examination found a failed rod end bolt in the right nose steering linkage.
Accident Sequence
A student pilot initiated a takeoff roll when the airplane began to veer to the left. The pilot applied right rudder, but the airplane continued moving left. With full right rudder applied, the airplane jerked further left. The pilot then reduced power to idle and applied the right brake. The airplane departed the left side of the runway and nosed over.
Examination Findings
Post-accident examination of the airplane conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) revealed that the rod end bolt from the right nose steering linkage had failed in bending overstress. The failure of this component likely resulted in a loss of directional control during the takeoff roll.
Probable cause
Failure of the rod end bolt from the right nose steering linkage due to bending overstress.