Incident Overview
A private pilot on a cross-country flight encountered difficulty maintaining directional control of his tailwheel-equipped airplane upon touchdown. During the initial landing attempt, the pilot applied full power and successfully aborted the landing. On the second attempt, the airplane again pulled to the left, and the pilot was unable to regain directional control. The aircraft departed the runway and struck a fence.
Investigation Findings
Post-incident examination revealed that the actuating cable connecting the brake pedal to the wheel brake on the left wheel was locked. This condition prevented normal brake operation and contributed to the loss of directional control during the landing roll. No other mechanical anomalies were reported.
Sequence of Events
The pilot reported cross-country flight conditions prior to the landing attempt. On the first touchdown, the airplane exhibited a leftward pull, prompting a go-around. The second landing attempt also resulted in a leftward deviation, and despite corrective actions, the airplane veered off the runway surface into a fence, causing damage to the aircraft.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The airplane was a tailwheel-equipped model operated by a private pilot. Specific aircraft registration, owner, and further details were not provided in the investigation source.
Conclusion
The investigation determined that the locked left brake actuating cable was the direct cause of the loss of directional control. The pilot’s decision to abort the first landing and attempt a second approach was consistent with standard procedures for an unstable approach.