On January 6, 1995, a Piper PA-17 (registration N4492H) operated by William R. Coon was involved in an aviation accident near Dutch Harbor, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PARTIAL FAILURE OF THE RIGHT BRAKE DUE TO A LEAKY BRAKE LINE. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
Upon landing, the aircraft began turning right and left. The right brake failed to respond, leading to a ground loop that collapsed the right main gear and struck the right wing. Examination revealed a leak in the right brake line.
Event Sequence
During the landing rollout, the airplane began to turn to the right. The pilot applied left rudder and left brake, which corrected the turn. Subsequently, the airplane began to turn left. The pilot applied right brake and right rudder, but the right brake did not respond. The airplane ground looped, causing the right main landing gear to collapse and the right wing to strike the runway surface.
Post-Accident Examination
A pressure check and examination of the right brake system revealed a leak from an original Piper-manufactured brake line that was connected to the master cylinder.
What happened in the 6 Jan 1995 Piper PA-17 accident near Dutch Harbor, AK?
Upon landing, the aircraft began turning right and left. The right brake failed to respond, leading to a ground loop that collapsed the right main gear and struck the right wing. Examination revealed a leak in the right brake line.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 6 Jan 1995 involved a Piper PA-17, registration N4492H, operated by William R. Coon, at Dutch Harbor, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PARTIAL FAILURE OF THE RIGHT BRAKE DUE TO A LEAKY BRAKE LINE.
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