Casualties unknown

Pilot Lands on Different Runway After Multiple Approaches, Experiences Brake Issue and Runway Excursion (N337PL)

Menominee, MI, US

On December 27, 1996, a Cessna 402A (registration N337PL) was involved in an aviation accident near Menominee, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: ice restricting normal brake system, normal braking not possible for the pilot and the pilot's poor in-flight planning. A factor was the pilot not performing a flight to an alternate destination airport. 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 2026-06-10Data APIEditorial standards

After three VFR approaches to one runway, a pilot landed on another. During the landing roll, the airplane swerved left and exited the runway. The pilot reported frozen brakes that broke loose on touchdown, and acknowledged he should have diverted earlier.

Incident Overview

A pilot conducted three visual flight rules (VFR) approaches to a specific runway at an airport. On the fourth approach, the pilot landed on a different runway than the one used for the previous approaches. During the landing roll, the airplane swerved to the left and subsequently exited the runway.

Pilot Account

According to the pilot, the brakes had frozen over during the earlier approaches. When the airplane touched down, the right brake broke loose, causing the airplane to turn left. The pilot stated that he should have made a decision to divert to another airport prior to the last landing attempt.

Outcome

The airplane departed the paved surface during the landing roll. No further details regarding damage or injuries were provided in the source material. The incident highlights the challenges of operating in conditions that may lead to brake freezing.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X07147. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.