No fatalities

Aircraft Strikes Trees During Go-Around After Brake Failure and Seat Back Breakage (N85972)

Carthage, MS, US

On August 28, 1995, a Cessna 337D (registration N85972) was involved in an aviation accident near Carthage, MS. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE NORMAL BRAKE SYSTEM FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT'S SEATBACK. 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

During landing roll, pilot applied nonresponsive brakes, causing seat back to break. He initiated go-around but struck trees past runway end. Brake system had no preflight discrepancies; reason for failure undetermined.

Accident Details

A pilot reported that during the landing roll, the brakes were nonresponsive. While forcibly applying the brakes, the seat back broke. The pilot pulled himself upright and, recognizing that insufficient runway remained, applied full power to initiate a go-around.

Pilot Actions

During the initial climb, the airplane collided with trees past the departure end of the runway. The pilot reported no discrepancies of the brake system before departure.

Investigation

No determination could be made as to the reason for the reported brake failure. The investigation did not identify any pre-existing issues with the brake system or other components.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 28 Aug 1995 Cessna 337D accident near Carthage, MS?

During landing roll, pilot applied nonresponsive brakes, causing seat back to break. He initiated go-around but struck trees past runway end. Brake system had no preflight discrepancies; reason for failure undetermined.

Were there any fatalities in the 28 Aug 1995 Cessna 337D accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 28 Aug 1995 involved a Cessna 337D, registration N85972, at Carthage, MS.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

FAILURE OF THE NORMAL BRAKE SYSTEM FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT'S SEATBACK.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X04336. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.