On May 14, 1999, a Champion 7GCAA (registration N9661S) operated by Baboquivari Soaring School was involved in an aviation accident near Buckeye, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the left brake to activate during landing rollout, which resulted in an off-airport landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
The pilot reported normal pre-flight checks but experienced a failure of the left brake during rollout, causing the aircraft to veer off the runway and strike an embankment.
What happened
Prior to departure, the pilot conducted an engine run-up and confirmed that the brake system appeared to be functioning normally. During the landing rollout, the pilot applied the brakes; however, the left brake failed to engage. This loss of braking capability on one side caused the airplane to veer sharply to the right. The aircraft departed the paved surface and collided with a dirt embankment located alongside the runway.
The investigation
Following the incident, mechanics inspected the brake system and found it to be intact with no evidence of fluid leaks. A functional check was subsequently performed on the left brake assembly, which also revealed no anomalies during the test.
Probable cause
The failure of the left brake to activate during landing rollout, which resulted in an off-airport landing.