Loss of directional control during landing roll due to brake lockup (N580Y)

What happened

The accident airplane departed the active runway surface during the landing roll phase. Upon touchdown, the pilot applied the brakes as part of the normal deceleration procedure. However, the right main landing gear brake failed to release after being engaged. This mechanical failure resulted in a loss of directional control, causing the aircraft to veer off the paved surface and collide with a taxiway light.

The investigation

A post-accident examination of the airframe and landing gear assembly revealed a critical maintenance discrepancy. Inspectors found that an Airworthiness Directive (AD) specifically issued to prevent the inadvertent lockup of the right brake had not been complied with by the responsible maintenance personnel or owner.

Findings

The primary factor contributing to this accident was the failure of the right main landing gear brake to release after application. This mechanical fault directly led to the loss of directional control during the critical landing roll. The root cause was traced to non-compliance with a mandatory safety directive designed to prevent exactly this type of brake system malfunction.