On September 16, 1983, a Boeing A75N1 (registration N66524) was involved in an aviation accident near St. Augustine, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll as a result of a left brake system failure that occurred while he was aware of a pre-existing leak in the system. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot who had topped off a known leaking left brake system experienced total brake failure during the landing roll, causing the aircraft to veer right and strike an object.
What happened
The pilot reported that on a previous flight, he noticed the left brake was weaker than the right. Before taking off again, he added fluid to the left brake system. After flying about one hour, he returned and landed. During the landing roll, the left brake failed to operate. Subsequently, the aircraft veered to the right and the left wing and aileron were damaged. The passenger stated that the pilot was aware that the left brake was leaking before the flight.
Findings
The left brake system had been topped off prior to takeoff despite a known leak. During the landing roll, the left brake failed to operate, causing the aircraft to veer right and sustain damage to the left wing and aileron.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll as a result of a left brake system failure that occurred while he was aware of a pre-existing leak in the system.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 16 Sept 1983 Boeing A75N1 accident near St. Augustine, FL?
A pilot who had topped off a known leaking left brake system experienced total brake failure during the landing roll, causing the aircraft to veer right and strike an object.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 16 Sept 1983 involved a Boeing A75N1, registration N66524, at St. Augustine, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll as a result of a left brake system failure that occurred while he was aware of a pre-existing leak in the system.
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