On March 31, 1995, a Cessna 195A (registration N1048D) was involved in an aviation accident near Albuquerque, NM. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A PARTIAL FAILURE OF THE AIRPLANE BRAKE SYSTEM (LEFT BRAKE). A FACTOR WAS THE RIGHT QUARTERING TAILWIND. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During landing on Runway 17 with a right quartering tailwind, the airplane drifted left then right. Left rudder and brake application had no effect, leading to a ground loop and collapse of the left main landing gear. Missing left brake assembly puck clips were found.
Accident Sequence
The pilot received an ATIS report indicating wind from 290 degrees at 8 knots and accepted a clearance to land on Runway 17. On final approach, the pilot was advised that winds were calm but perceived a right quartering tailwind. During the landing roll, the airplane drifted left. The pilot applied right rudder and brake, which corrected the drift. Subsequently, the airplane drifted right. Application of left rudder and brake had no effect, and the airplane groundlooped, collapsing the left main landing gear.
Post-Accident Examination
A post-accident examination of the airplane revealed that the left brake assembly puck clips were missing.