What was found
NOSE LANDING GEAR STEERING ROD END BEARING (P/N S-1823-3) FAILED IN THREADED PART OF ROD, ALLOWING NOSE GEAR TO TURN SIDEWAYS, RESULTING IN EXCESSIVE SIDE LOAD ON NOSE LANDING GEAR ASSEMBLY, CAUSING IT TO FAIL AND SEPARATE FROM THE AIRCRAFT RESULTING IN MINOR DAMAGE TO COWLING, PROPELLER, EXHAUST PIPES. THIS ROD END BEARING SHOWS SIGNS OF CORROSION, PITTING AND IS PROBABLY THE ORIGINAL 1963 PART.