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Elevator Control Restriction Due to Fractured Nose Gear Steering Bungee Shaft (N6562V)

Chamblee, GA, US

On May 11, 2004, a Cessna 172RG (registration N6562V) was involved in an aviation accident near Chamblee, GA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The fatigue fracture of the nosewheel bungee assembly, which restricted the movement of the elevator control. A factor was the inadequate equipment from an unknown source/manufacturer. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A Cessna 172RG experienced restricted elevator control in cruise due to a fractured nose gear steering bungee shaft. The flight returned safely. Examination revealed fatigue fractures and non-conforming machining grooves.

Incident Description

A certified flight instructor reported that full nose-down elevator deflection could not be achieved during cruise flight. The flight returned to the airport and landed without further incident.

Examination Findings

Post-incident examination revealed that the threaded shaft of the nose gear steering bungee assembly was fractured. The damaged component physically restricted the movement of the elevator control assembly. Metallurgical examination of the shaft showed fatigue fractures in two locations. There was no evidence of hardness anomaly or improper lubrication. Examination of the thread relief area profile indicated that the region was irregular and asymmetric. A number of machining grooves had smaller radii than the 0.050-inch radius specified in Cessna technical drawings. The shaft was absent of identifying markings or a part number.

Maintenance History

Maintenance logs for the airplane contained no record of repair or replacement of the steering bungee component.

Applicable Airworthiness Directives

Federal Aviation Administration Airworthiness Directive (AD) 81-14-06 for the Cessna 172RG requires the replacement of part number 2467003-1 rudder trim/nose gear steering bungee with part number 2467003-6. Cessna Service Letter SE 80-99 states that the new steering bungee part number 2467003-6 "includes a larger diameter jack screw shaft providing substantially greater unit strength and longer service life." Both the AD and the Service Letter are applicable to Cessna 172RG airplanes serial numbers 172RG0001 through 172RG0769. The incident airplane was serial number 172RG0775.

Structural failure

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 May 2004 Cessna 172RG accident near Chamblee, GA?

A Cessna 172RG experienced restricted elevator control in cruise due to a fractured nose gear steering bungee shaft. The flight returned safely. Examination revealed fatigue fractures and non-conforming machining grooves.

Were there any fatalities in the 11 May 2004 Cessna 172RG accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 May 2004 involved a Cessna 172RG, registration N6562V, at Chamblee, GA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The fatigue fracture of the nosewheel bungee assembly, which restricted the movement of the elevator control. A factor was the inadequate equipment from an unknown source/manufacturer.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040624X00864. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.