Probable cause
A cracked nose landing gear pulley, which resulted in the binding of the nosewheel steering system.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, due to a right crosswind, he applied full left rudder and right aileron during the approach for landing. When the nose landing gear touched down on the runway, the airplane immediately veered to the left. The pilot applied full right rudder and right brake to no effect. The airplane veered off the runway and the nose gear hit a hole, which resulted in the right wing impacting the terrain. The examination of the nose landing gear steering system revealed that one of the pulleys on the right side of the nose landing gear was cracked and would not turn. Further examination revealed that it was possible for the steering cable to bind in the crack of the pulley and not allow the nose gear to move.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN14LA210 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 19, 2014
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Sturgis, Michigan
- Nearest airport
- Kirsch Municipal Airport (IRS)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Rockwell International 114
- N-number
- N4890W
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1977
- 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.