On June 21, 1982, a Cessna 310P (registration N5823M) operated by Tommy Williams Evangilist Asso was involved in an aviation accident near Fort Worth, TX. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft landed and experienced inadequate braking. The pilot maneuvered off the runway, going through a fence and trees before stopping. Investigation found brake fluid levels far below normal capacity.
Landing and Runway Excursion
The aircraft touched down on the runway, and the pilot immediately recognized that braking was not functioning properly. Deciding that a go-around was not feasible at that point, the pilot chose to steer the aircraft off the side of the runway. The aircraft then traveled through a fence and into trees before coming to a stop.
Witness Observations
Witnesses reported that during the landing roll, the engines appeared to be producing approximately one-third of their available power throughout the entire deceleration phase.
Brake System Examination
Following the incident, the brake system was drained. Only about one ounce of fluid was recovered from each side of the system. The normal fluid capacity per side is approximately five ounces, indicating a substantial deficit.