Casualties unknown

1983-06-21: Cessna T337G (N261KB) — Susanville, CA

Susanville, CA, US

On June 21, 1983, a Cessna T337G (registration N261KB) was involved in an aviation accident near Susanville, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the landing and go-around phase, which resulted in a runway excursion and collapse of the landing gear. The reported brake failure was not substantiated by post-accident inspection. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft departed the runway during a go-around attempt after the pilot reported brake failure on landing, resulting in collapsed landing gear despite pre-flight servicing.

What happened

The aircraft departed the departure end of the runway while attempting a go-around. During this maneuver, the landing gear collapsed upon impact with the ground. The pilot reported that the brakes failed during the initial landing phase, prompting the decision to initiate a go-around. He noted that he had retracted all flaps but believed one-third flap extension should have been maintained instead.

The investigation

A post-accident examination of the brake system was conducted to determine the cause of the reported failure. The inspection revealed no discrepancies within the mechanical components of the braking system. Records indicated that both brakes had been serviced on the day of the accident, suggesting the system was in a maintained state prior to the flight.

Findings

The primary factors contributing to the incident were the brake failure during landing and the subsequent loss of directional control or speed management that led to the runway excursion. The pilot's decision to retract all flaps during the go-around may have contributed to the aerodynamic conditions, although the mechanical integrity of the brakes was confirmed intact by investigators.

Safety message

Pilots should ensure proper flap configuration during go-around procedures and remain vigilant for brake performance anomalies. Regular pre-flight checks are essential, but mechanical failures can still occur despite recent servicing.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the landing and go-around phase, which resulted in a runway excursion and collapse of the landing gear. The reported brake failure was not substantiated by post-accident inspection.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X43432. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.