Incident Overview
A pilot taxiing an airplane encountered a loss of brake effectiveness while attempting a 90-degree left turn onto a taxiway connecting to the active runway. According to the pilot, brake application produced no response. The pilot then added power in an effort to regain control, which caused the airplane to become airborne.
Sequence of Events
The airplane subsequently touched down on terrain that sloped downward. It then struck a fence, impacted a drainage ditch, crossed the airport perimeter road, and came to rest adjacent to the airport perimeter fence. The pilot reported that the brakes were applied but failed to respond.
Investigation Findings
Post-incident examination revealed that the left main tire was locked for 111 feet while the right tire was intermittently locked for the same distance. No anomalies were found with the wheel brake system. At the time of the incident, a 19-knot tailwind was prevailing as the pilot taxied on a parallel taxiway toward the active runway.