Event Overview
A pilot reported that after a normal landing, the airplane veered to the left of the runway. The pilot applied right rudder inputs, which had no effect. To abort the landing, the pilot applied full throttle for a go-around, but this only accelerated the left turn. The airplane continued left and impacted a chain link fence located approximately 100 feet south of the runway.
Investigation Findings
Post-accident examination of the wreckage focused on the nose wheel steering system. The system comprises two rods attached to the top of a T-bar, which is supported by two bearings mounted on the strut tube. One rod is on the left and the other on the right, controlling the steering of the nose wheel. The inspection revealed that the right-side rod was fractured, with fracture surfaces exhibiting characteristics consistent with tension overload failure.
Additional Observations
The Federal Aviation Administration inspector who responded to the scene reported that no skid marks were visible on the runway.