CRJ-700 flight crew reported aircraft controllability problems on landing that was attributed to a fully extended nose strut.
Synopsis
CRJ-700 flight crew reported aircraft controllability problems on landing that was attributed to a fully extended nose strut.
Narrative
We received the aircraft from another flight crew who stated the aircraft was 'fine' and only had the Nose Wheel steering switch off set vertically by about 20 degrees. I visually confirmed that the switch was offset vertically; and still moved and functioned appropriately. I asked my First Officer check the nose gear carefully during her walk around. She came back and stated everything was good outside. We continued normal operations.During the initial climb after rotation; I remarked during gear retraction that 'the nose wheel seemed awfully loud' and it successfully retracted with no sensor errors reported on the Flight Deck. The noise ceased on gear retraction. We continued our flight as normal. During approach and landing; the nose gear did not make any noise different than as expected on our day to day operations. Touch down of the main gear was fine; until the nose wheel made contact with the runway.The aircraft began to steer right at about 2-3 degrees a second; which I immediately began applying opposite rudder. When that was not working; I add right only brake to bring the aircraft nose back toward center line. Then the nose started going to the right at 2-3 degrees a second. I swapped inputs to left rudder and brake. Once the aircraft nose started coming back left; I applied strong brake pressure on both mains and slowed down to a speed where I could safely exit the runway. This all happened in the span of 5-10 seconds. As the aircraft slowed down; it was more under control; than at the higher ground speed upon landing.After we taxied to the gate; I had my First Officer do a walk around and asked her to check the nose carefully; as I called Maintenance. When she came back she remarked how the Nose was 'fully extended;' in which the Maintenance Controller remarked that 'the swerving would be attributed to an over extended nose strut.'The next day I spoke with a crew that was ferrying the aircraft out of ZZZ; and explained the entire narrative above. The Captain was very appreciative; since this 'filled in the gaps' for what his ferry flight was for.
Second reporter narrative
Improperly documented maintenance in Aircraft Maintenance Logbook.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.