What happened
During an aerial application operation, a commercial pilot attempted to land downwind on a private sod airstrip. As the aircraft touched down, the pilot lost directional control of the airplane. The aircraft ground-looped across the surface before veering off the runway and coming to rest in a nose-over attitude.
Following the accident, the pilot reported that he attempted to regain control of the aircraft by applying braking pressure. However, he stated that he felt as though he had no brakes available during the critical phase of the landing roll.
The investigation
NTSB investigators examined the aircraft and the circumstances surrounding the incident to determine the mechanical status of the braking system. Despite the pilot's assertion regarding brake failure, the investigation failed to reveal any evidence of a brake malfunction or mechanical defect that would have prevented effective braking.