On June 30, 1982, a Beech E18S (registration N91CA) operated by Coker Airfreight, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Lubbock, TX. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During landing, the pilot experienced left brake failure and delayed right engine response, causing the aircraft to veer off the runway and nose over in a water-filled ditch. Investigation found air in left brake system.
Incident Details
The pilot reported that after a normal approach and touchdown, he retracted the flaps and lowered the tail. As he applied brakes, the right brake functioned, but the left brake had no braking action, causing the aircraft to swerve to the right. He advanced the right throttle, but the engine did not respond immediately. As the aircraft departed the runway, the right engine power increased and the plane began to turn back toward the runway when it encountered a shallow drainage ditch with about 4 ft of standing water. After hitting the water, the plane decelerated rapidly and nosed over.
Investigation Findings
An investigator revealed that the left brake was spongy and had air in the reservoir and line. It was not determined when the system was last inspected.