Accident Description
On a dark night, an aircraft arrived and landed on Runway 6. The pilot reported that the airspeed indicated 85 knots as the aircraft crossed the runway numbers. After a normal landing, the pilot applied both brakes. As soon as the brakes were applied, the aircraft began a right turn, as if the brakes had locked. The pilot released the brakes and applied left brake and left rudder, but there was no response. The aircraft continued skidding sideways, departed the right side of the runway, and collided with two parked aircraft: a Piper PA-28, N4842L, and a Grumman American AA-5, N5462L.
Sequence of Events
The pilot stated that after landing, brake application initiated an immediate right turn. Despite attempts to correct with left brake and rudder, the aircraft did not respond. The skid continued until the aircraft left the runway and struck the two parked aircraft. The passenger, a student pilot occupying the copilot seat, admitted that he applied the brakes on his side when he saw the aircraft departing the runway.
Investigation Findings
Investigation of the runway revealed skid marks beginning approximately 1,900 feet from the approach end of the 2,580-foot runway. Measurements of three skid marks on the runway showed that the aircraft skidded 272 feet while oriented at angles between 35 and 40 degrees from the runway heading. After departing the runway, the aircraft skidded an additional 262 feet before striking the two parked aircraft.