EMBRAER EMB-145XR near Akron, OH — 2011-03-18

Probable cause

The uncommanded left deflection of the airplane's nosewheel for reasons that could not be determined because postincident examination of the nosewheel steering system did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB narrative

The flight crew reported that the flight was uneventful until the nosewheel touched down, at which time, the airplane made an uncommanded left turn and then veered off the runway. Examination of the runway revealed a witness mark from the right nosewheel tire chine consistent with a left deflection of the nosewheel steering. Testing of the nosewheel steering system and its components did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot reported that he used a bracket to support his approach plate book and that, during the event, the book slid off of the bracket and onto his lap. He then tossed the book out of the way. He stated that, at some point, the book may have been in the area of the nosewheel tiller but that it was not on the tiller and that it was clear of the tiller before the airplane exited the runway. Although it is possible that the weight of a book engaged the tiller, it could not be determined if the tiller was engaged during the event.

Analysis

Primary failure mode

Loss of control

First missed decision gate

Crew could have checked nosewheel steering functionality before landing.

NTSB coding

• Loss of control on ground · Landing-landing roll

Evidence available

• CVR
• FDR / data
• 11 docket documents

Docket documents11

• Cockpit Voice Recorder 12 - Factual Report of Group Chairmancvr
• Flight Data Recorder 10 - Factual Report of Group Chairman (with 8 embedded figures)fdr
• Flight Data Recorder 10 - Tabular Data - Accident Approachfdr
• Flight Data Recorder 10 - Tabular Data - Previous Approachfdr
• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• Flight Crew Interview Summaryinterview
• Statement of Party Representatives to NTSB Investigationinterview
• Safety Recommendation Transmittal Letterother
• Uncommanded Nosewheel Steering Anomalies During Landing in Embraer EMB-145 Regional Jetsother
• Parker Materials and Processes Lab Report Number 233269report
• Systems Group Chairman Factual Reportreport

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