What happened
The aircraft experienced a failure of the right braking system during the landing rollout phase. As the pilot attempted to decelerate and steer the aircraft along the runway, the loss of hydraulic pressure on the right side prevented effective stopping and directional control. Unable to keep the aircraft aligned with the runway centerline, it veered off the left side and collided with parked aircraft.
The investigation
Examination of the main landing gear assembly revealed that the protective fairings covering the strut areas had been removed. This modification left the brake lines exposed to the elements and potential mechanical interference. Inspection of the right brake line in this exposed area showed clear signs of damage consistent with abrasion or impact. The damaged section had developed a leak, which allowed hydraulic fluid to escape from the system.
Findings
The primary contributing factor was the loss of hydraulic fluid to the right brake assembly. This loss was directly caused by the damage to the brake line, which occurred because the protective fairings were missing. Without these fairings, the brake lines were vulnerable to damage that would typically be prevented by the standard aerodynamic covers.
Safety message
This incident highlights the critical importance of maintaining all original aircraft fairings and protective covers. Removing structural or aerodynamic components can expose vital hydraulic systems to damage, leading to catastrophic failure of flight controls or braking systems.