On September 6, 1993, a Cessna 421B (registration N747BW) was involved in an aviation accident near Oak Grove, LA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's loss of directional control during ground operations, which resulted in the aircraft veering off the runway and striking a tree. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
The pilot reported a left brake failure causing the aircraft to veer right, slide into a fence row, and strike a tree during ground operations.
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.
Probable cause
The pilot's loss of directional control during ground operations, which resulted in the aircraft veering off the runway and striking a tree.