On November 28, 1967, a Vickers Viscount (registration N7465) operated by United Airlines was involved in an aviation accident near Raleigh-Durham, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the nosewheel steering system upon touchdown due to fatigue fracture. A valve body on the nosewheel steering jack twin valve failed, causing oscillations. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
Following a night landing at Raleigh-Durham Airport, an aircraft's nosewheel collapsed, causing it to slide on the runway. All 43 occupants evacuated without injury; the aircraft was later deemed damaged beyond repair. The investigation found a fatigue fracture in the nosewheel steering system.
Incident Description
At night, an aircraft touched down on the runway at Raleigh-Durham Airport. Immediately after touchdown, the nosewheel collapsed. The airplane then slid along the runway for several yards before coming to a stop. All 43 individuals on board evacuated the aircraft without any reported injuries. The aircraft itself sustained significant damage and was subsequently considered beyond economical repair.
Investigation Findings
The official investigation determined that the collapse was caused by a failure of the nosewheel steering system upon touchdown. Specifically, a fatigue fracture occurred in a valve body on the nosewheel steering jack twin valve. This failure led to oscillations in the steering system, which ultimately resulted in the nosewheel collapsing.
Outcome
The aircraft was written off due to the extent of the damage. The incident remains under review by relevant aviation authorities, but no further details on corrective actions have been released.
Probable cause
Failure of the nosewheel steering system upon touchdown due to fatigue fracture. A valve body on the nosewheel steering jack twin valve failed, causing oscillations.