Probable cause
The overstress separation of the left nose wheel steering linkage rod end during the takeoff roll, which resulted in a loss of control.
NTSB analysis
The student pilot reported that during the takeoff roll, about 50 miles per hour, the airplane swerved left. He stated that the nose wheel dug into the dirt runway during the swerve, and the airplane nosed over. A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the left nose wheel steering linkage rod end was fractured. Magnified optical examination of the linkage fracture surfaces and surrounding area revealed fracture features and deformation patterns consistent with a bending overstress separation. No indication of preexisting cracking, such as fatigue or corrosion, was noted.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ANC10LA101 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 1, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- North Pole, Alaska
- Nearest airport
- Bradley Sky-Ranch Airport (95Z)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Cessna 150F
- N-number
- N3569L
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.