On December 30, 1995, a Bellanca 17-30 (registration N7356V) was involved in an aviation accident near Durango, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A failure of the left nose wheel steering rod due to overstress, which caused the aircraft to veer right and depart the runway during landing roll. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft veered off the runway during landing roll due to a failure in the left nose wheel steering rod, causing the landing gear to collapse upon impact with rough terrain.
What happened
The accident occurred during the landing roll phase of flight. As the pilot lowered the nose wheel onto the runway surface, the aircraft began to veer sharply toward the right side of the pavement. Unable to maintain directional control, the aircraft departed the paved runway environment and entered adjacent rough terrain. The impact with the uneven ground resulted in the collapse of the landing gear assembly.
The investigation
A thorough examination of the airframe was conducted to determine the mechanical cause of the excursion. Investigators focused on the nose wheel steering mechanism due to the directional deviation observed during touchdown. Analysis of the components revealed a critical structural failure within the left nose wheel steering rod. Metallurgical inspection of the fracture surface on this component showed clear evidence of overstress, indicating that the part failed under loads exceeding its design limits.
Probable cause
A failure of the left nose wheel steering rod due to overstress, which caused the aircraft to veer right and depart the runway during landing roll.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 30 Dec 1995 Bellanca 17-30 accident near Durango, CO?
An aircraft veered off the runway during landing roll due to a failure in the left nose wheel steering rod, causing the landing gear to collapse upon impact with rough terrain.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 30 Dec 1995 involved a Bellanca 17-30, registration N7356V, at Durango, CO.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
A failure of the left nose wheel steering rod due to overstress, which caused the aircraft to veer right and depart the runway during landing roll.
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