On July 9, 2000, a Cessna 180 (registration N4940A) was involved in an aviation accident near Saint Cloud, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inability to maintain directional control due to brake seizure during landing rollout, despite no mechanical anomalies being found in the brake system or tires. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft departed the runway during landing rollout after the pilot reported that the brakes had seized multiple times. Post-accident inspection found no mechanical anomalies in the brake system or tires.
What happened
The accident occurred during the landing rollout phase of flight. The airplane departed off the side of the runway and sustained damage as a result. According to the pilot, the brakes seized multiple times while the aircraft was rolling down the runway.
The investigation
A post-accident examination was conducted on the wheel and brake assemblies. Inspectors found no anomalies that would have prevented the normal operation of the brake system. Additionally, an examination of the tire treads on both main gear showed no flat spots in the tread pattern. No slippage was noted between the tires and the wheel assemblies.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to the accident was the brake seizure during rollout. The mechanical inspection ruled out brake system failure or tire issues as the cause of the malfunction.
Probable cause
The pilot's inability to maintain directional control due to brake seizure during landing rollout, despite no mechanical anomalies being found in the brake system or tires.