On June 19, 1989, a Piper PA-20 (registration N7735K) operated by Wager, James was involved in an aviation accident near Sheshalik, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: PILOT-IN-COMMAND'S FAILURE TO PERFORM AN ADEQUATE PREFLIGHT INSPECTION OF THE AIRPLANE'S BRAKES. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a landing on a gravel spit, the pilot's left brake locked, causing the airplane to nose over. Post-accident inspection found the brake oxidized and corroded. The pilot recommends preflight brake testing.
Incident Details
According to the pilot, he was performing a landing at an off-airport site—a gravel spit that he uses frequently. As the aircraft progressed through the final phase of the landing roll, the pilot applied the brakes. The left brake then locked, causing the airplane to slowly nose over. The pilot reported that the aircraft had been used at this site before without any problems.
Post-Accident Inspection
After the accident, the pilot conducted an inspection of the brakes. The inspection revealed that the left brake was oxidized and corroded. The condition of the left brake was noted as deteriorated.
Pilot's Recommendation
Based on this experience, the pilot recommends that before each flight, a hard application of the brakes be performed. The pilot believes this procedure can help assess the condition of the brakes and potentially prevent similar incidents.