On June 2, 1992, a Piper PA-22-150 (registration CGDNH) operated by David Wheatman was involved in an aviation accident near Hazard, KY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control and stop the aircraft after a brake system failure, which resulted from an internal malfunction in the brake master cylinder. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft landed on a 3250-foot runway but experienced total brake failure after the pilot applied the hand brake three times, leading to a ditch impact and nose-over.
What happened
The aircraft touched down approximately halfway along a 3250-foot runway. During the rollout, the pilot attempted to slow the aircraft by applying the hand brake three separate times. On the third application, the braking system failed completely. To arrest the momentum, the pilot steered the aircraft off the right side of the paved surface and onto the grass. While attempting to stop on the unpaved terrain, the aircraft struck a ditch, causing it to nose over.
The investigation
Post-accident examination of the aircraft's braking system revealed an internal failure within the brake master cylinder. This mechanical defect was identified as the primary reason the hand brakes did not function when applied by the pilot during the critical phase of the landing rollout.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control and stop the aircraft after a brake system failure, which resulted from an internal malfunction in the brake master cylinder.
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