On August 28, 1997, a Piper PA-12 (registration N3065M) was involved in an aviation accident near Flushing, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll. Factors associated with the accident were the tailwind, the pilot's runway selection, and the hangar. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During landing on runway 18 with winds from 350 degrees at 7 knots, the airplane veered left. The pilot applied right rudder and brake, but the airplane continued off the runway and struck a hangar with its left wing. Post-accident inspection found no brake or flight control malfunctions.
Accident Overview
The pilot conducted a landing on runway 18. Wind conditions were reported from a station 7 miles away as 350 degrees at 7 knots. During the landing roll, the airplane unexpectedly veered to the left, as if the left brake were stuck. The pilot responded by applying right rudder and right brake, but these actions did not correct the deviation. The airplane continued off the side of the runway and subsequently contacted a hangar with its left wing.
Post-Accident Inspection
Following the accident, an inspection of the brakes and flight controls was performed. This examination revealed no failures or malfunctions in either the braking system or the flight control system.