Steering Malfunction Causes Fokker F28 to Excursion at Lanseria

Casualties unknown • Runway 06L at Lanseria Aerodrome, ZA

A Fokker F28-4000 experienced a nosewheel steering failure during landing at Lanseria Aerodrome, resulting in the aircraft veering off the runway.

What happened

On 19 September 2005, a Fokker F28-4000, registration ZS-XGX, departed from Lanseria Aerodrome (FALA) for a local flight intended to facilitate a proficiency check for another pilot. The flight crew consisted of the pilot-in-command and three crew members. Shortly after takeoff, the crew noted that the right-hand main landing gear amber light remained illuminated despite the retraction of the undercarriage. To ensure the gear was properly locked for the return leg, the crew cycled the undercarriage system electrically and manually. After receiving confirmation from the control tower that the gear was down and locked, the crew proceeded to land.

During the landing roll, the pilot attempted to correct a slight leftward tendency by applying right tiller input. However, as the pilot tried to return the steering to a neutral position, the mechanism became stuck in the right-hand position. As the aircraft approached the runway end, the crew attempted to use asymmetric braking to maintain the centerline, but the nosewheel failed to respond correctly. The pilot applied full braking and deployed speed brakes to prevent a complete departure from the runway, eventually bringing the aircraft to a halt on the right-hand shoulder. There were 0 fatalities and 0 injuries.

The investigation

SACAA AIID investigators examined the mechanical state of the aircraft and its maintenance history. The investigation confirmed that a mandatory periodic inspection (a "B" Check) had been completed on 06 September 2005. At the time of the incident, the aircraft had flown 220.19 hours since that inspection. Additionally, the operator's records were reviewed, showing that the company had undergone a successful audit within the two years prior to the event with no significant discrepancies noted. The physical damage to the aircraft was restricted to the main wheel tyres.

Findings

  • The primary cause of the excursion was a mechanical failure of the aircraft steering system, which jammed in the right-hand position during the landing roll.
  • The nosewheel failed to castor or respond to steering corrections during the braking phase.
  • The crew's use of asymmetric braking and full braking was an attempt to mitigate the loss of directional control caused by the jammed tiller.

Probable cause

The aircraft veered off the right side of the runway because the steering mechanism failed to respond and became stuck in a right-hand position during the landing roll.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2005-09-19 Fokker F28-4000 accident near Runway 06L at Lanseria Aerodrome, ZA?

A Fokker F28-4000 experienced a nosewheel steering failure during landing at Lanseria Aerodrome, resulting in the aircraft veering off the runway.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2005-09-19 involved a Fokker F28-4000, registration ZS-XGX, at Runway 06L at Lanseria Aerodrome, ZA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft veered off the right side of the runway because the steering mechanism failed to respond and became stuck in a right-hand position during the landing roll.

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