Event Overview
The incident occurred while the aircraft was on a sightseeing flight. During the landing roll, with a direct crosswind from the right at 9 knots, the aircraft turned into the wind. The pilot was unable to correct the deviation using left rudder and braking. The aircraft then traveled into a ditch alongside the landing area.
Pilot Statement
The pilot reported that the brake had failed, preventing him from correcting the aircraft's turn into the wind. He stated that despite applying left rudder and brakes, the aircraft continued to veer and subsequently entered the ditch.
Post-Accident Examination
After the occurrence, the operator partially disassembled the brake system for inspection. Examination and operational tests of the brake components revealed no evidence of failure or malfunction. No mechanical defects were found that would have caused the reported brake failure.
Inspector Assessment
An FAA inspector who examined the aircraft expressed the belief that air in the brake system likely caused the failure. This suggests that the brake may have been compromised due to air presence, affecting its performance.