What happened
During a turn on the runway, the aircraft failed to complete the maneuver, resulting in the nose-wheel leaving the paved surface and entering the runway strip. While the excursion did not cause any damage to the aircraft, the incident prevented other aircraft from safely landing and hindered the movement of ground support equipment along the runway.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft's steering mechanism and reviewed statements from the captain. The inspection revealed a torn boot on a universal joint. It remains undetermined how or why this damage occurred. The investigation focused on how this mechanical failure influenced the aircraft's handling during the turn.
Findings
- The torn boot on the universal joint likely limited the range of motion for the steering mechanism, which restricted the operation of the nose-wheel steering.
- This mechanical restriction reduced the aircraft's ability to maneuver, making it impossible to complete the intended turn on the runway.
- The flight crew made the decision to proceed with the turn despite the reduced steering capability, which directly led to the nose-wheel exiting the runway surface.
- Although runway strips are intended to mitigate risks, they do not guarantee safe maneuvering, as they may contain hazardous debris.
- The investigation noted that airport staff had the option to inspect the runway strip for hazards before attempting to use it for turning maneuvers.