Incident Overview
On 23 March 2020, the crew of a SAAB 340A aircraft, registration SP-KPV, was preparing to operate a flight from Warsaw Chopin Airport (EPWA) to Kyiv Zhuliany Airport (UKKK). During taxi to Runway 15, the captain reported difficulty turning the aircraft in any direction, indicating a problem with nosewheel steering control. The crew contacted air traffic control and obtained clearance to return to the parking stand.
Maintenance and Findings
Upon arrival at the stand, maintenance personnel performed a check of the nose landing gear steering system and confirmed a malfunction in the steering control of the nose leg. According to technical services, a faulty nose landing gear steering actuator could cause such symptoms. The actuator was replaced in accordance with the Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM), and a system test was conducted successfully. The aircraft was subsequently returned to operational service.
Probable Cause
The most probable cause of the incident was operational wear of the nose landing gear steering actuator. The component was maintained on condition, with no specified replacement interval.