What happened
The pilot initiated a takeoff but was forced to abort the maneuver while still on the remaining portion of the runway. Upon applying the braking system, the pilot discovered that the brakes were not responding effectively. With insufficient stopping distance available, the pilot made the decision to steer the aircraft off the paved surface to avoid a collision or further damage.
The airplane departed the runway and rolled into an adjacent ditch. The impact caused the nose of the aircraft to overturn, coming to rest on the edge of a nearby taxiway. No injuries were reported during the incident.
The investigation
Following the accident, investigators conducted a thorough examination of the aircraft's braking system to determine the cause of the failure. The inspection revealed that the brake pads were significantly worn down, reducing their ability to generate friction. Additionally, the brake fluid reservoir was found to be at a low level, which likely contributed to the lack of hydraulic pressure and responsiveness.
Findings
The primary factors leading to this incident were the mechanical failure of the braking system due to poor maintenance. Specifically:
- Worn brake pads failed to provide adequate stopping power.
- Low brake fluid levels compromised the hydraulic integrity of the system.
These mechanical deficiencies prevented the pilot from stopping the aircraft within the available runway distance, necessitating an off-runway evacuation that resulted in substantial damage to the airframe.