Rod Ends

Editorial Staff

Tuesday, October 20, 2020 at 09:19 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Multiple aircraft incidents reveal common failures of "rod end" components, predominantly in landing gear and steering systems.
These failures lead to severe operational consequences, including nose gear collapse, loss of control during takeoffs or landings, and substantial aircraft damage.
Contributing factors range from fatigue and undetected cracks to material stretching and overload, often linked to challenges in inspection or lack of replacement records.
The incidents highlight a need for improved inspection protocols, periodic component replacement, and potentially better-designed safety devices for rod ends.

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Bellanca 17-30A Super Viking

Stretched And Fatigued

At touchdown, the nose landing gear failed and partially collapsed. Examination revealed it appears the bearing rod end (p/n 198001-2) experienced a fatigue failure. The rod end failed at a point where the threads and AN316-4R nut meet, shearing even with the nut face. Rod end threads were stretched and bent at a 15-degree angle with about 0.5” of threads showing. Rod end bearing movement was satisfactory.

Part total time: Unknown

Beechcraft F35 Bonanza

Nose Gear Retraction Rod End

The nose gear retraction assembly rod end failed. It appeared the rod end had been cracked and was not detected during the last annual inspection. The nose gear folded up on landing, causing damage to the aircraft nose and propeller. The rod end is in a difficult position to inspect and the crack may be hard to determine.

Part total time: 7172.0 hours

Cessna 150

Broken Steering Rod End

On takeoff roll, left forward nose wheel steering rod end failed, allowing the nose gear to turn fully left and resulting in loss of control. The aircraft departed the runway edge and flipped over, causing substantial damage.

Part total time; 4056.0 hours

Cessna 177RG Cardinal RG

Failed Rod End

Inspection found the main landing gear actuator rod end had failed. The rod end body appears to have broken at the grease servicing port. Aircraft logbook research found no record of replacement since the airplane’s date of manufacture. SE7937r1 and bulletin CE-14-17 address replacing the rod end.

Part total time: 2657.0 hours

Piper PA-28R-201 Arrow III

Rod End Attach Ball Failure

The pilot reported the prop control was unresponsive. Examination found the prop governor rod end off of the governor attach ball. The spring safety device had rotated and allowed the rod end to pop off of the attach ball. We would recommend replacing the rod end periodically and possibly a better-designed rod end safety device.

Part total time: 4687.0 hours

Piper PA-31 Navajo

Overload Failure

The nose landing gear collapsed during rollout after landing. There was no indication of a problem until after touchdown. The rod assembly (p/n 41949-00) was found fractured at the rod end. Condition was assessed as “consistent with failure in overload,” but cause of overload was not determined. Initial log search does not show replacement of the rod assembly within the past five years.

Part total time: Unknown