The nose wheel steering cable on a C-560 xl failed during preflight checks.

Attributes
ACN	902303
Time
Date	201007
Local Time Of Day	0601-1200
Place
Locale Reference	ZZZ.Airport
State Reference	US
Aircraft 1
Make Model Name	Citation Excel (C560XL)
Flight Phase	Parked
Component
Aircraft Component	Nosewheel Steering
Person 1
Function	Captain Pilot Flying
Qualification	Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Events
Anomaly	Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical

Narrative:

I heard an unusual grinding noise associated with rudder pedal movement while performing the preflight checklist. To confirm an abnormality; I attempted one full deflection of rudder pedals in each direction. I applied full left rudder pressure which was accompanied by the grinding noise. When the right rudder was depressed the same grinding noise was heard. At approximately 3/4 travel there was a loud bang heard and the right pedal went all the way to the floor with no further resistance. It was later revealed to me that the nosewheel cable had failed.

Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: The nose wheel steering cable on a C-560 XL failed during preflight checks.

Narrative: I heard an unusual grinding noise associated with rudder pedal movement while performing the preflight checklist. To confirm an abnormality; I attempted one full deflection of rudder pedals in each direction. I applied full left rudder pressure which was accompanied by the grinding noise. When the right rudder was depressed the same grinding noise was heard. At approximately 3/4 travel there was a loud bang heard and the right pedal went all the way to the floor with no further resistance. It was later revealed to me that the nosewheel cable had failed.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site as of April 2012 and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.