Casualties unknown

1996-07-27: Pezetel M-18A (N7643J) — Mcgehee, AR

Mcgehee, AR, US

On July 27, 1996, a Pezetel M-18A (registration N7643J) was involved in an aviation accident near Mcgehee, AR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Failure of the hydraulic brake system for an undetermined reason. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot reported complete brake system failure during landing roll, leading to loss of directional control and a runway excursion into a ditch. The operator attributed the failure to the hydraulic brake system for an undetermined reason.

Incident Overview

During the landing roll on Runway 36, the pilot of the airplane experienced a complete brake system failure when applying the brakes. Despite having hydraulic pressure, the brakes did not engage. The pilot reported the incident to an FAA inspector and later described to the investigator-in-charge that after touchdown, he noticed he had no brakes but observed hydraulic pressure.

Loss of Control and Stopping

Unable to maintain directional control, the airplane departed the right side of the runway and came to a stop in a ditch. The pilot was not injured, and there were no reported injuries.

Aircraft and Brake System Details

The airplane had accumulated a total of 748 flight hours since new at the time of the incident. According to the operator, the brake failure was due to a failure of the hydraulic brake system, though the specific reason for the failure remained undetermined.

Investigation Findings

The investigation confirmed the brake system failure as reported by the pilot. No further causal factors were identified in the source material.

Probable cause

Failure of the hydraulic brake system for an undetermined reason.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06243. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.