As reported to the FAA. Reports are unverified, and codes are left as the FAA publishes them.
What was found
THE STEERING ARM ON LT SIDE OF THE TAILWHEEL ASSY WAS FOUND CRACKED ACROSS THE RADIUS OF BEND NEAR THE HUB OF THE STEERING ASSY. THIS WAS FOUND ON A PREFLIGHT INSP. OF NOTE IS THE FACT THE ARM WAS BENT DOWN TO "LEVEL" WHEREAS THE STANDARD ANGLE IS UP BY 5-10 DEBREES. POSSIBLY SOMEONE STEPPED ON THIS WHILE TRYING TO WASH OR GET TO THE TOP SECTION OF THE RUDDER. NOTE: THIS IS THE FACTORY R & D AIRCRAFT. (K)