Casualties unknown

Aircraft Veers Off Landing Area and Noses Over; Stuck Brake Discovered (N9178L)

Mahaffey, PA, US

On June 14, 1984, a Bellanca 8KCAB (registration N9178L) was involved in an aviation accident near Mahaffey, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The left brake was stuck in the on position. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft veered off a dirt runway after the pilot applied brakes, nosing over in tall weeds and rocks. Inspection revealed the left brake was stuck in the on position.

Accident Sequence

The aircraft veered off the prepared landing area and nosed over in tall weeds and rocks. The pilot had changed from a gravel runway to a dirt one due to downdrafts. On the first landing on the dirt runway, the aircraft touched down on the wheels. When the tail lowered, the pilot applied the brakes. The aircraft then veered to the left by approximately 20 degrees. The pilot attempted to correct with right rudder, but it had no effect. As the aircraft reached the runway edge, full right brake was applied. Despite this, the aircraft continued into the grass and rocks, where it nosed over.

Findings

Upon inspection, it was discovered that the left brake was stuck in the on position. When the B nut on the brake line at the left wheel cylinder was loosened, the brake released.

Probable cause

The left brake was stuck in the on position.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 14 Jun 1984 Bellanca 8KCAB accident near Mahaffey, PA?

An aircraft veered off a dirt runway after the pilot applied brakes, nosing over in tall weeds and rocks. Inspection revealed the left brake was stuck in the on position.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 14 Jun 1984 involved a Bellanca 8KCAB, registration N9178L, at Mahaffey, PA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The left brake was stuck in the on position.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X40112. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.