Accident Description
On landing at Oslo-Gardermoen Airport on runway 19R, the aircraft experienced a deviation to the right during deceleration. While slowing to 60 knots, the aircraft began moving right, and at 40 knots it impacted a snow berm. The impact caused the aircraft to rotate to the right and come to rest in deep snow. The nose and both propellers sustained damage.
Occupants and Damage
All 11 occupants evacuated safely from the aircraft. The aircraft was subsequently assessed as damaged beyond repair.
Investigation and Probable Cause
The official investigation conducted a comprehensive technical examination of the nose wheel steering on registration OY-NPB. No single causal factor was identified, but some indications of unsatisfactory maintenance were noted. The investigation found irregularities that, alone or in combination, could have caused a temporary fault with the steering. The Accident Investigation Board believes that a temporary fault caused the nose wheel to unintentionally lock itself in a position toward the right. No other defects or irregularities that could explain the runway excursion were found. The investigation also revealed that the same fault had occurred six days earlier; during that incident, the captain was able to disconnect the nose wheel steering quickly enough to regain control. Maintenance was unable to rectify the fault, and the aircraft was released to service.