Embraer EMB-145XR N11187 incident near Akron, Ohio

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 analysis

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.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN11IA234 for the full record.