NLG turned by strong wind?

[maro12]

Hello All,

It has been reported that due to strong winds NLG of the aircraft (737NG) turned almost 90 deg while aircraft parked with chocks in place (see picture). Aircraft did not move, just the NLG turned. Anyone seen something like this before? How to explain it other way than wind turned the leg like towbar would do?

Interestingly enough it happened in other aircrafts parked on same tarmac also.

Best Regards,
Maro12

[sjap]

Yes i have seen this before. The wheel is free to turn since there is no hydr press. It will find its own way like a shopping-cart wheel would do since the axle point is behind the strut. It happens whith strong side winds on the tail.

[maro12]

Hello Sjap,

We seen it for the first time and were surprised. I did not think about position of the axle with respect to the strut, that is very good point. Thank you for your response.

Best Regards,
Maro12