Air carrier flight crew reported that after pushing back from the gate; the aircraft's steering had failed.
Synopsis
Air carrier flight crew reported that after pushing back from the gate; the aircraft's steering had failed.
Narrative
Aircraft was delayed on mx (Maintenance). When we finally got on board aircraft F/O went outside to complete walk around whilst I reviewed the AML (Aircraft Maintenance Logbook) and completed the acceptance flow. When F/O got back from walk around he mentioned that nothing was out of the ordinary. After pushback we completed the after start and before taxi checklists as per normal. When we went to taxi away despite putting input in the tiller for a left turn; the aircraft was turning hard right. I stopped the aircraft; ensured that the N/W STRG (Nosewheel Steering) switch was indeed on and that HYD SYS 3 had adequate pressure. We did not receive a message. We quickly reviewed the QRH for a steering inop non message - there is no such checklist; but did review the QRH for the steering inop caution message. Given this was the symptom we were experiencing we followed that checklist to no avail. I then quickly called Maintenance Control and they suggested the torque linkage may not be connected. After talking with the ground crew they confirmed this was the case. We decided the best course of action was to be towed back to the gate to have MX reconnect the torque linkage and conduct a quick ops check to make sure that was indeed the cause of the issue. We coordinated and carried that out. Upon return to the gate I visually inspected the nose gear and the torque linkage was indeed disconnected. During reflection with the F/O he recalled paying close attention to the nose gear as the area around it on the fuselage was particularly dirty; and at the time did not notice or recall seeing anything out of place.Cause: Torque linkage disconnected.Suggestion: More thorough walk around/inspection from all parties; MX; Ground Crew and F/O.
Second reporter narrative
We picked up the aircraft from maintenance; which was delayed. While the captain reviewed the MEL; I went outside to conduct my walk-around inspection. During the inspection; I did not notice anything abnormal with the aircraft. After completing our checklist; the ground crew pushed us back; and we received clearance to start the engine. Once the crew walked away; we performed the after-start check and the taxi checklist. We checked the nosewheel steering (N/W STRG) switch; and it was armed. We then obtained taxi clearance from the ramp.When the captain applied power; the aircraft veered to the right instead of the left. We stopped; set the brakes; and canceled our taxi clearance. We reviewed the QRH for the steering inoperative situation and called Maintenance Control. They informed us that the twerk links might not have been connected. We called the ramp and requested to be pushed back in. The crew came out and pulled us back in. Maintenance confirmed that the links were indeed not connected. They reconnected everything and conducted a proper test; no other issues arose afterward.Cause: Tourguq linkage left disconnected.Suggestion: Maintenance check torque linkage.
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Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.