Aircraft excursion following brake failure during landing

Casualties unknown • Winterset, IA, US

A pilot experienced a loss of braking pressure on the left pedal during landing, leading to an aircraft excursion into a ditch and fence.

What happened

During a straight-in approach to the airport, the pilot maintained an airspeed of 110 knots due to rough flight conditions. The aircraft crossed the runway threshold at 100 knots and touched down approximately 1,000 feet down the runway.

Upon applying braking pressure, the pilot discovered there was no pressure available on the left brake pedal. In an attempt to restore function, the pilot pumped the pedal three times before reapplying the brakes. As the aircraft reached the three-quarter mark of the runway, it swerved to the right just before reaching the displaced threshold. The pilot attempted to steer the aircraft to the left to guide it onto the grass. The aircraft subsequently slid sideways through the grass, struck a fence, and came to rest in a ditch. All occupants were not injured.

The investigation

An examination of the runway identified tire marks starting one-third of the way down from the approach end, which ran evenly down the runway until the aircraft departed the prepared surface. Tire impressions in the grass continued from the end of the runway, veering to the left and terminating at the final resting position of the aircraft. A physical examination of the wreckage revealed no mechanical anomalies.

Probable cause

The loss of braking pressure on the left pedal during the landing roll.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1998-01-02 Piper PA-34-220T accident near Winterset, IA?

A pilot experienced a loss of braking pressure on the left pedal during landing, leading to an aircraft excursion into a ditch and fence.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1998-01-02 involved a Piper PA-34-220T, registration N8350Z, operated by Benny Magness, at Winterset, IA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The loss of braking pressure on the left pedal during the landing roll.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X09405. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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