On September 8, 1992, an Aeronca 15AC (registration N1009H) operated by Hamlin, Richard was involved in an aviation accident near Ptarmigan Pass, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The old drum brake caliper fractured through the chamber causing the fluid to leak out. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot landed 125 feet past a 700-foot airstrip threshold, lost right brake pressure during hard braking, attempted a go-around, but the aircraft overran and overturned in Fish Creek. Investigation found a fractured old drum brake caliper caused fluid leakage.
Landing and Brake Failure
The pilot touched down approximately 125 feet beyond the threshold of a 700-foot-long airstrip. Upon landing, he began applying brake pressure with increasing force. When the pilot applied hard brake pressure, he reported a complete loss of pressure in the right brake.
Go-Around Attempt and Accident
Realizing he would not be able to stop within the remaining runway, the pilot attempted a go-around. However, the airplane did not become airborne before running off the end of the airstrip. The aircraft subsequently overturned in Fish Creek.
Examination Findings
Post-accident examination of the brake calipers revealed that the old drum brake caliper had fractured through the chamber, which allowed the brake fluid to leak out. This leakage resulted in the loss of braking pressure on the right side.
Probable cause
The old drum brake caliper fractured through the chamber causing the fluid to leak out.