On February 13, 1996, a Luscombe 8A (registration N71836) was involved in an aviation accident near Puyallup, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The right brake lining had debonded and wedged into the right main wheel, jamming it and preventing it from rotating. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A student pilot reported the right wheel locked during brake application after landing, causing the airplane to nose over. Postaccident inspection revealed debonded brake lining jamming the right main wheel.
Accident Overview
The incident occurred after the student pilot landed the airplane. While preparing to exit the runway, the pilot applied normal brakes. However, the right wheel locked, causing the aircraft to veer. In an attempt to prevent a ground loop, the pilot applied the left brake. This action resulted in the airplane nosing over.
Aircraft Condition
The pilot stated that the airplane had not undergone an annual inspection in over two years. Following the accident, an inspection revealed that the right brake lining had debonded. The debonded lining wedged into the right main wheel, jamming it and preventing it from rotating. This mechanical failure was the direct cause of the wheel locking.
Pilot Certification
The investigation noted that the student pilot's certificate was not signed. Additionally, the pilot's logbook contained no instructor endorsements for solo privileges.
Probable cause
The right brake lining had debonded and wedged into the right main wheel, jamming it and preventing it from rotating.