On September 14, 1986, a Piper PA-28-181 (registration N3072L) was involved in an aviation accident near Greenwood, IN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The brake pads on the aircraft were allowed to wear beyond their limits, causing the right brake cylinder to move past its limit and release the O-ring, resulting in a loss of brake fluid and subsequent loss of right brake control. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 4 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During landing rollout, brake pads worn beyond limits caused right brake failure, leading the pilot to steer off the runway onto rough terrain, resulting in aircraft damage.
Incident Overview
During the landing rollout, the pilot applied brake pressure. The aircraft's brake pads had been allowed to wear beyond their specified limits. As a result, the right brake cylinder moved past its operational limit, releasing the O-ring. This caused a loss of brake fluid from the right brake system.
Sequence of Events
The loss of brake fluid occurred simultaneously with the pilot's application of brake pressure. Consequently, the pilot had no braking capability on the right side while full left brake was available. This imbalance left the pilot with a lack of directional control while the aircraft was on the ground.
Outcome
The pilot steered the aircraft off the left side of the runway onto rough terrain. The aircraft sustained damage during the excursion.
Probable cause
The brake pads on the aircraft were allowed to wear beyond their limits, causing the right brake cylinder to move past its limit and release the O-ring, resulting in a loss of brake fluid and subsequent loss of right brake control.
What happened in the 14 Sept 1986 Piper PA-28-181 accident near Greenwood, IN?
During landing rollout, brake pads worn beyond limits caused right brake failure, leading the pilot to steer off the runway onto rough terrain, resulting in aircraft damage.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 14 Sept 1986 involved a Piper PA-28-181, registration N3072L, at Greenwood, IN.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The brake pads on the aircraft were allowed to wear beyond their limits, causing the right brake cylinder to move past its limit and release the O-ring, resulting in a loss of brake fluid and subsequent loss of right brake control.
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