Runway Departure Due to Lodged Brake Cable

Casualties unknown • Talkeetna, AK, US

An airplane departed the runway during takeoff after a GPS antenna cable became lodged in the right parking brake, preventing proper operation.

What happened

The pilot reported that during the initial phase of the takeoff roll, the aircraft's tail lifted as expected. However, immediately following this rotation, the airplane began to veer sharply toward the right side of the runway. The pilot attempted to continue the takeoff by extending the flaps, but the aircraft remained below the necessary flying speed to achieve lift. Consequently, the airplane departed the paved surface of the runway.

The investigation

A postaccident inspection of the aircraft revealed a mechanical obstruction affecting the braking system. Specifically, the cable for the GPS antenna had become lodged within the mechanism of the right parking brake. This entanglement caused the right brake to remain partially engaged during the takeoff roll, contributing significantly to the uncontrolled veer off the runway.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to ensure that the parking brake was fully released before takeoff, which resulted in a GPS antenna cable becoming lodged in the right brake and causing an uncontrolled veer off the runway.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1998-05-05 Piper PA-18-160 accident near Talkeetna, AK?

An airplane departed the runway during takeoff after a GPS antenna cable became lodged in the right parking brake, preventing proper operation.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1998-05-05 involved a Piper PA-18-160, registration N4319Z, at Talkeetna, AK.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to ensure that the parking brake was fully released before takeoff, which resulted in a GPS antenna cable becoming lodged in the right brake and causing an uncontrolled veer off the runway.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X09967. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.

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