N840JK

On February 10, 2005, at 1446 eastern standard time, a Gulfstream American 690C, N840JK, was substantially damaged during a runway excursion while landing on runway 21 (4,200 feet by 75 feet, asphalt) at the Eagle Creek Airport (EYE), Indianapolis, Indiana. The flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91 and was not on a flight plan at the time of the accident. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at EYE. The pilot and passenger reported no injuries. The flight departed the Tri-Cities Regional Airport (TRI), Kingsport, Tennessee, about 1333 on an instrument flight rules (IFR) flight plan.

In his written statement, the pilot reported that the flight was normal and he executed a localizer instrument approach to runway 21 at EYE. He noted that he cancelled the IFR flight plan 4 miles from the airport. He reported experiencing a right crosswind during approach and landing. He stated the landing was normal, on centerline and that touchdown was at the 1000-foot runway markings.

The pilot stated that when the main landing gear touched down, he reduced engine power. He stated that as the nose lowered the "aircraft veered sharply to the left." He reportedly held "full right rudder and right aileron" but the aircraft did not respond. The aircraft departed the left side of the runway, struck a runway light and came to rest in the muddy grass area next to the runway pavement.

A post-accident inspection did not reveal any anomalies with the nose wheel steering and rudder control systems. The nose wheel steering linkage was intact. The nose wheel was placed on a grease plate. Proper nose wheel steering function was verified. Nose wheel steering deflection angles were measure and found to be within the manufacturer's specification. Rudder control continuity was verified. Rudder deflection was measured and found to be within specification.

Wind conditions recorded at the Indianapolis International Airport (IND), located 7 miles south of EYE, were from 300 degrees at 13 knots.