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Loss of Control and Gear Collapse During Landing Roll After Parking Brake Handle Activation (N25459)

LA Belle, FL, US

On March 20, 1991, a Piper PA-38-112 (registration N25459) operated by Grant, Warren & Newbury, Fred was involved in an aviation accident near LA Belle, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE STUDENT PILOT TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING THE LANDING ROLL. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE FACT THAT THE PILOT DIVERTED HIS ATTENTION WHEN HE PULLED THE PARKING BRAKE HANDLE TO APPLY THE BRAKES. 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

During the landing roll on grass adjacent to runway 14, the pilot lost control after using the parking brake handle, causing the aircraft to yaw right, collapsing the right main and nose landing gears. The brake line was replaced and the aircraft was flown from the site.

Sequence of Events

During the landing roll on the grass adjacent to runway 14, with a wind from the east at 5 knots, the pilot reached down and pulled the parking brake handle to apply the brakes. Subsequently, the pilot lost control of the aircraft. The aircraft yawed to the right, which resulted in the collapse of the right main landing gear and the nose landing gear. The aircraft came to rest on the grass.

Damage and Repairs

As a consequence of the right main landing gear collapse, the brake line for that gear broke. The brake line was replaced, and no other brake system components were replaced. The aircraft was repaired and then flown from the accident site to the new owner's facility.

Owner's Statement

The owner stated that the brakes operated normally when using the parking brake handle after the accident.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 20 Mar 1991 Piper PA-38-112 accident near LA Belle, FL?

During the landing roll on grass adjacent to runway 14, the pilot lost control after using the parking brake handle, causing the aircraft to yaw right, collapsing the right main and nose landing gears. The brake line was replaced and the aircraft was flown from the site.

Were there any fatalities in the 20 Mar 1991 Piper PA-38-112 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 20 Mar 1991 involved a Piper PA-38-112, registration N25459, operated by Grant, Warren & Newbury, Fred, at LA Belle, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

FAILURE OF THE STUDENT PILOT TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING THE LANDING ROLL. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE FACT THAT THE PILOT DIVERTED HIS ATTENTION WHEN HE PULLED THE PARKING BRAKE HANDLE TO APPLY THE BRAKES.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X16661. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.