Casualties unknown

1997-07-10: Beech 55 (N45CW) — Murfreesboro, TN

Murfreesboro, TN, US

On July 10, 1997, a Beech 55 (registration N45CW) was involved in an aviation accident near Murfreesboro, TN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the aircraft braking system due to low brake pressure resulting from the undetermined loss of brake fluid from the brake reservoir. 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

During the landing roll, the left brake pedal collapsed, causing the airplane to drift right. The pilot applied right engine throttle but the airplane rolled off the runway. Investigation found no brake fluid in the left reservoir and no leakage signs.

Incident Overview

During the landing roll, while applying brakes, the left brake pedal collapsed. The airplane began to drift to the right of the runway centerline. In response, the pilot applied right engine throttle to correct the drift. The airplane subsequently rolled off the right side of the 3,800-foot-long runway, approximately 3,800 feet down the runway.

Examination Findings

An examination of the left brake assembly at the accident site revealed that there was no brake fluid in the left reservoir. Despite this, the left brake assembly functioned normally during subsequent testing. No obvious signs of fluid leakage were found on the reservoir or brake assemblies.

Maintenance Records

A review of the aircraft maintenance logs indicated that an annual inspection had been completed on the airplane approximately 55 hours before the accident. The maintenance logs stated that the airplane brakes were serviced during that last annual inspection.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08295. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.