On May 12, 1993, a Bellanca 7KCAB (registration N8612V) operated by Mid Island Air Service Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Shirley, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING THE LANDING, WHICH RESULTED IN A GROUND SWERVE, AND HIS FAILURE TO MAINTAIN SUFFICIENT CLEARANCE AND OR ALTITUDE FROM THE TREES. THE PROXIMITY OF TREES WAS A RELATED FACTOR. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot practicing touch-and-go landings veered off the runway and collided with trees after reporting brake locking, but FAA inspection found no malfunction.
Flight Details
The pilot was practicing touch-and-go landings on Runway 24. One landing had been completed successfully. The pilot was on the second approach, which was intended to be a full-stop landing.
Accident Sequence
According to the pilot, after applying the brakes, the airplane veered off the left side of the runway onto a grassy area at a large angle. The pilot stated that he quickly applied power, but due to insufficient altitude, the airplane collided with trees and then fell to the ground.
Post-Accident Examination
The pilot reported that there was a mechanical malfunction and that the brakes had locked on one side. However, an examination of the airplane's brakes, tires, and wheels conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) did not disclose evidence of any malfunction.