Aircraft Exits Runway Following Brake Failure

Casualties unknown • Simsbury, CT, US

An aircraft veered off the runway and suffered a sheared main gear after experiencing a left brake lockup and right brake failure during a short field landing.

What happened

The pilot was performing a normal short field landing using full flaps on a 2,200-foot runway. Following touchdown, the pilot retracted the flaps and attempted to apply the brakes. During this process, the left brake locked up while the right brake failed, resulting in a loss of directional control. The FAA reported that the aircraft touched down halfway down the runway, leaving 535 feet of skid marks before the aircraft exited the paved surface. During the excursion, the right main gear sheared off.

The investigation

The investigation noted that a mechanic had recently completed 16 hours of work on the aircraft, which included replacing both brake cylinders and bleeding the brake system. The pilot suggested that the accident might have been avoided if the brakes and related components had been inspected for leaking fixtures capable of allowing air to enter the system.

Probable cause

The failure of the braking system, specifically a left brake lockup and right brake failure, which led to a loss of directional control during landing.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1993-05-08 Piper PA-34-200T accident near Simsbury, CT?

An aircraft veered off the runway and suffered a sheared main gear after experiencing a left brake lockup and right brake failure during a short field landing.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1993-05-08 involved a Piper PA-34-200T, registration N47448, operated by Walter J Barrett, at Simsbury, CT.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The failure of the braking system, specifically a left brake lockup and right brake failure, which led to a loss of directional control during landing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X12303. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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