CRJ-200 flight crew reported a Steering INOP Light 15 minutes into the flight. The flight crew performed the reset procedures with no change; requested priority handling; and continued to the destination.
Synopsis
CRJ-200 flight crew reported a Steering INOP Light 15 minutes into the flight. The flight crew performed the reset procedures with no change; requested priority handling; and continued to the destination.
Narrative
We were operating Aircraft X with 13 passengers on board and I was pilot flying. In cruise about 15 minutes after departure we received a caution for 'Steering Inop.' I called for the QRH (Quick Reference Handbook); which had us attempt a nose wheel steering reset which was unsuccessful. I did not hear any unusual noises or feel any vibrations or movements coming from the nose gear area at the time of failure. I did not get the usual 'klunk' when attempting to engage the steering. We texted dispatch and informed them of the failure. The QRH recommended the longest runway with minimal crosswind. Our destination was reporting a direct headwind; but our alternate of ZZZ1 would have had a crosswind even though the runways were longer. My FO; dispatch and I all agreed that continuing to ZZZ was the safest decision. I informed the FA that we had the steering failure; that we were expecting a normal landing but I was concerned that there was a chance that we might lose steering towards the end of the landing; so when we landed in ZZZ we would be met by priority response vehicles. I requested priority handling with center; and told them the same thing.The FO made an announcement to the passengers saying to expect to see vehicles meeting us but we were expecting a normal landing. On our descent Dispatch suggested that we attempt to re-engage the nose wheel steering after lowering the gear. When selecting the gear down everything about the cycle seemed normal; with no unusual noises or vibrations. I attempted the steering reset again but no joy. I performed a visual approach to Runway X with a 10 knot direct headwind. I used idle reverse and medium asymmetrical braking and took the airplane to a stop in the runway. We were met by the priority vehicles which inspected us and the runway and informed us that we looked good. They escorted our tug onto the runway; who connected to us and brought us into the gate. According to the FA the passengers didn't seem scared.
Second reporter narrative
At XA:05 local time Nose-wheel steering inop in flight at 16000. Complied with the QRH and steering inop didn't reset. Evaluated the weather at ZZZ and ZZZ2 (our alternate) and determined that ZZZ was best since the wind was down the runway. Told the FA and Passengers about the priority. Attempted to reset steering after dropping the gear but it remained inop. After landing safely and coming to a complete stop attempted to reset the steering a 3rd time but it stayed inop and we had to be towed off the runway to parking. Just a wear and tear incident I think. Maybe keeping track of the parts lifetime.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.