On July 2, 2000, a Cessna 180 (registration N3131D) was involved in an aviation accident near Jackson Center, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inability to maintain directional control due to a seized left wheel brake during landing, with no mechanical defect found upon inspection. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A tailwheel airplane nosed over after the pilot reported a seized left brake during landing. Post-accident inspection by an FAA inspector found no mechanical abnormalities in the braking system.
What happened
During the landing phase of flight, the pilot experienced a failure of the left wheel brake on a tailwheel-equipped aircraft. The pilot reported that the left brake seized while the airplane was on the ground. This sudden loss of differential braking control caused the aircraft to pivot sharply, resulting in a nose-over incident.
Following the accident, an individual associated with the pilot provided additional context regarding the immediate aftermath. This witness stated that they utilized a screwdriver to manually release the stuck brake mechanism after the event occurred.
The investigation
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector conducted a thorough examination of the aircraft to determine the mechanical cause of the brake failure. The inspection process included the complete disassembly of the left brake assembly. Despite the detailed teardown and analysis, the inspector did not identify any pre-existing defects or post-accident damage that would explain why the brake seized.
Probable cause
The pilot's inability to maintain directional control due to a seized left wheel brake during landing, with no mechanical defect found upon inspection.