On February 19, 1984, a Cessna 180A (registration N9764B) operated by Loring Sagan was involved in an aviation accident near Truckee, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in the aircraft swerving off the runway and sustaining damage to the left gear strut and elevator. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported a frozen right brake during landing, causing the aircraft to swerve into snow beside the runway. The incident resulted in damage to the left gear strut and elevator.
What happened
Prior to takeoff, the pilot had to push the aircraft out of mud where the right landing gear had sunk into the ground. After taking off and flying for approximately half an hour, the pilot reported that during the landing phase, the right brake seemed to be frozen. This caused the aircraft to swerve to the right as it exited the runway. As the aircraft swerved into the snow beside the runway, the left wing dipped, resulting in damage to the left gear strut and the elevator.
The investigation
The available source material does not provide specific details regarding a mechanical inspection or technical analysis of the brake system or landing gear components beyond the pilot's report.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in the aircraft swerving off the runway and sustaining damage to the left gear strut and elevator.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 19 Feb 1984 Cessna 180A accident near Truckee, CA?
A pilot reported a frozen right brake during landing, causing the aircraft to swerve into snow beside the runway. The incident resulted in damage to the left gear strut and elevator.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 19 Feb 1984 involved a Cessna 180A, registration N9764B, operated by Loring Sagan, at Truckee, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in the aircraft swerving off the runway and sustaining damage to the left gear strut and elevator.
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