Aircraft nose-over following right-hand brake lock at Hailey

Casualties unknown • Sun Valley, ID, US

An aircraft experienced a violent veer to the right and subsequent nose-over upon touchdown at Hailey after a right-hand brake became hydraulically locked.

What happened

The pilot had previously landed on a runway that had been plowed, resulting in surface conditions of hard-packed snow and ice. While taxiing for a turnaround at the end of that runway, the pilot believed the right-hand brake became hydraulically locked due to the engagement of the parking brake mechanism on that side, despite the pilot stating the parking brake handle was never pulled.

The subsequent takeoff from the icy runway appeared normal, and the pilot remained unaware that the brake was in a locked condition. However, upon touchdown at Hailey, the airplane immediately veered violently to the right. The right-hand brake remained locked during this maneuver, causing the aircraft to swerve to the right before ultimately nosing over.

The investigation

The investigation focused on the mechanical state of the braking system. It was determined that the parking brake locking lever on the right brake cylinder was in its overcenter position, which resulted in the brake being locked.

Probable cause

The right-hand brake became hydraulically locked because the parking brake locking lever on the right brake cylinder was in the overcenter position.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1998-01-31 Cessna 180 accident near Sun Valley, ID?

An aircraft experienced a violent veer to the right and subsequent nose-over upon touchdown at Hailey after a right-hand brake became hydraulically locked.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1998-01-31 involved a Cessna 180, registration N180AJ, at Sun Valley, ID.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The right-hand brake became hydraulically locked because the parking brake locking lever on the right brake cylinder was in the overcenter position.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X09499. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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