On February 28, 1994, a Cessna 421B (registration N421HA) operated by Federal Aviation Admin was involved in an aviation accident near Lagrange, GA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S INTENTIONAL SWERVE OFF THE TAXIWAY TO AVOID A GROUND COLLISION. A FACTOR IN THE INCIDENT WAS AN UNDETERMINED MALFUNCTION OF THE AIRPLANE'S NORMAL BRAKE SYSTEM. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
After landing, a passenger reported no response from the right brake. The pilot swerved off the taxiway to avoid another aircraft, striking a taxiway light with a propeller blade. Inspection found no mechanical issue with the brake.
Incident Description
Following a full-stop landing, while the pilot was taxiing for another takeoff, the passenger reported that he was asked to check the right brake. The passenger pumped the brake but it did not respond. In response, the pilot applied left braking and swerved the airplane off the taxiway. The pilot stated that he took this action to avoid what he felt was an imminent collision with another taxiing aircraft. During the swerve, one of the left propeller blades struck a taxiway light. The distance between the two approaching airplanes was reported to be over 300 feet.
Examination and Findings
Subsequent examination of the brake assembly failed to disclose any mechanical problem. The Director of Maintenance stated that there had been no other pilot reports of braking problems with the airplane before or after the occurrence. No further details were provided regarding the aircraft type, registration, or other specifics.