What happened
After exiting the runway, the pilot taxied toward the U.S. Customs service ramp. While attempting to execute a right turn at the Customs Ramp, the pilot discovered that the right brake was non-functional. Because other aircraft were in close proximity, the pilot determined that using differential power to steer was not a viable option.
To manage the situation, the pilot cut the magnetos and attempted to use the left brake to slow the aircraft. During this maneuver, the left wing of the aircraft struck a parked Beech 18, resulting in damage to the upper engine nacelle and propeller. The force of the impact caused the aircraft to continue moving to the left, causing the non-rotating right propeller to strike the left wing of the same parked Beech 18. There were no injuries reported in the incident.
The investigation
Investigators examined the right brake system and determined that the right expander tube had failed. This mechanical failure prevented the pilot from maintaining control of the taxiing aircraft and ultimately led to the collision with the parked, unoccupied Beech 18.