Which hydraulic system's loss would cause nose wheel steering to go into free castoring mode?

• A. System 1
• B. System 3
• C. System 2
• D. All systems

Answer: (B)

Nose wheel steering in this aircraft relies on multiple independent hydraulic feeds, with one system specifically responsible for the locking/centering function that keeps the nose gear straight when not actively steered. When that particular hydraulic system fails, the locking mechanism is released and the nose wheel can freely caster, causing free castoring. The other hydraulic systems may still provide steering pressure if available, but without the lock engaged, you won’t have reliable commanded steering—the wheel simply drifts to whatever direction the aircraft’s weight and aerodynamics dictate. This is why losing that system pulls the nose gear into a free-castoring state.