What happened
During ground operations, the pilot experienced a sudden loss of directional control. The pilot reported that the left brake failed, which caused the airplane to veer sharply to the right. Unable to correct the trajectory, the aircraft slid off the paved surface and entered a fence row. The plane continued its path until it struck a tree.
The investigation
An FAA inspector examined the accident site to determine the mechanical cause of the loss of control. Physical evidence at the scene included skid marks that indicated the left brake was functioning properly prior to impact. However, due to the extensive damage sustained by the aircraft during the collision, the overall condition of the brake system could not be definitively determined.
Findings
The primary factor in this accident was the loss of directional control on the ground. While the pilot attributed the veering to a mechanical failure of the left brake, physical evidence from skid marks suggested the brake was operational at the time of the incident. The inability to assess the brake system's condition post-impact prevented a definitive mechanical diagnosis.