NTSB Factual Report

Unbeknownst to the pilot, during the takeoff roll, the bolt that secured the nosewheel steering torque arm to the nosewheel strut separated from the aircraft. When the pilot landed at his planned destination, he had no nosewheel steering, and during his attempt to maintain directional control, the aircraft skidded sideways on the runway, resulting in substantial damage to the airframe. The bolt was later found laying on the runway from which he departed. The castellated nut and cotter pin that normally secure the bolt in place where not located. During his preflight, the pilot had failed to notice that the bolt was no longer properly secured in place.

NTSB Probable Cause

The separation of the bolt that holds the nosewheel steering torque arm to the nose wheel strut during the takeoff roll, resulting in no nosewheel steering being available during the landing roll at the pilot's destination. Factors include the pilot's failure to notice during his preflight that the bolt was no longer properly secured in place.