What happened
On June 14, 2015, a Bombardier DHC-8-400 operated by PLL LOT SA experienced a technical malfunction during landing on runway 33 at Warsaw Chopin Airport (EPWA). Several seconds after touchdown, the crew observed the NOSE STEERING CAUTION LIGHT accompanied by an audible warning. This was immediately followed by a loss of nose wheel steering control via the rudder pedals and steering lever.
Due to the loss of steering, the crew was unable to vacate the runway at the normal speed. To maintain directional control on the ground, the crew utilized differential braking of the main landing gear and differential engine thrust. The crew notified Air Traffic Control (ATC) of the situation and the resulting delay in exiting the runway. After taxiing from runway 33 via taxiway S2 and then taxiway A, the crew stopped the aircraft and performed a system reset, which successfully restored nose wheel steering functionality. The event was documented in the aircraft's technical log.
The investigation
The investigation, conducted by the operator, included a physical inspection of the aircraft's landing gear components. Maintenance personnel examined the nose landing gear strut and the steering system's operational status. During this inspection, technicians identified that the nose strut was in an OFF LIMIT condition and noted excessive wear on the tire of wheel number 1.
Findings
- The primary cause of the steering malfunction was a failure of the nose landing gear strut.
- The nose wheel number 1 tire was worn and required replacement.
- The steering system itself was found to be functional following a system reset.