On March 26, 1984, a Cessna 182J (registration N2689F) was involved in an aviation accident near Weatherford, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inability to stop the aircraft on the remaining runway due to a long and fast landing with a tailwind, compounded by an inoperative left brake caused by a lack of brake fluid. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft landed long with a tailwind and could not stop on the remaining runway due to inoperative left brakes caused by a lack of fluid, resulting in a veer off the end.
What happened
The aircraft touched down significantly beyond the normal touchdown zone, traveling at an excessive speed while encountering a ten-knot tailwind. The pilot was unable to bring the aircraft to a halt within the remaining distance of the runway. Prior to leaving the paved surface, the aircraft was observed drifting toward the right side of the runway centerline before running off the end.
The investigation
Post-acc examination revealed that the left brake system was inoperative. The cause of this failure was identified as a complete lack of brake fluid within the hydraulic system. This mechanical deficiency significantly reduced the aircraft's ability to decelerate effectively during the landing roll.
Findings
Contributing factors included the long and fast touchdown, the presence of a ten-knot tailwind with gusts up to twenty knots, and the inoperative left brake due to fluid loss.
Probable cause
The pilot's inability to stop the aircraft on the remaining runway due to a long and fast landing with a tailwind, compounded by an inoperative left brake caused by a lack of brake fluid.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 26 Mar 1984 Cessna 182J accident near Weatherford, TX?
An aircraft landed long with a tailwind and could not stop on the remaining runway due to inoperative left brakes caused by a lack of fluid, resulting in a veer off the end.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 26 Mar 1984 involved a Cessna 182J, registration N2689F, at Weatherford, TX.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's inability to stop the aircraft on the remaining runway due to a long and fast landing with a tailwind, compounded by an inoperative left brake caused by a lack of brake fluid.
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