No fatalities

Runway Excursion Following Brake System Malfunction (N63PB)

Ft. Lauderdale, FL, US

On September 26, 1994, a Cessna 402C (registration N63PB) was involved in an aviation accident near Ft. Lauderdale, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The first officer's failure to maintain directional control on landing roll out due to improper use of brakes, resulting in the airplane veering off the runway, and subsequent on-ground collision with a runway light and sign. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A landing aircraft drifted left after the first officer reported brake issues. The check airman's attempt to take control was ineffective due to overriding brake application. The airplane departed the runway and struck a taxiway light and sign. Post-incident examination found a broken return spring and a leaking seal in the right master cylinder.

Incident Overview

During a landing, the first officer, who was flying from the left seat, touched down slightly left of the runway centerline. The check airman observed that the aircraft would not be able to exit at the intended taxiway and directed the first officer to reduce speed and continue to the next taxiway. The first officer then reported that his brakes were not functioning properly, and the airplane began to drift left. The check airman announced, 'I have the controls,' but was unable to apply his own brakes because the first officer was simultaneously applying brakes, which overrode the check airman's inputs.

Runway Excursion

The aircraft departed the runway approximately 200 feet from the end of the runway and subsequently collided with a taxiway light and a sign. No further details about the extent of damage or injuries were provided in the source.

Examination Findings

A subsequent examination of the brake system conducted by the airline's chief maintenance inspector revealed a broken return spring in the right master cylinder. Additionally, the Lock-O-Seal in the same cylinder was found to be leaking. These conditions likely contributed to the reported brake malfunction, although the source does not explicitly state causation.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 26 Sept 1994 Cessna 402C accident near Ft. Lauderdale, FL?

A landing aircraft drifted left after the first officer reported brake issues. The check airman's attempt to take control was ineffective due to overriding brake application. The airplane departed the runway and struck a taxiway light and sign. Post-incident examination found a broken return spring and a leaking seal…

Were there any fatalities in the 26 Sept 1994 Cessna 402C accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 26 Sept 1994 involved a Cessna 402C, registration N63PB, at Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The first officer's failure to maintain directional control on landing roll out due to improper use of brakes, resulting in the airplane veering off the runway, and subsequent on-ground collision with a runway light and sign. Contributing to the incident was the failure of the return spring in the right master brake…

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02312. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.