Accident Sequence
The airplane touched down on the centerline of runway 29. When the pilot applied the brakes, the right brake locked up, causing the airplane to veer sharply to the right. The pilot attempted to correct by applying left brake, left rudder, and reversing the left propeller, but the airplane continued to the right. It subsequently collided with a taxiway light and a runway marker before departing the right side of the runway. The fuselage sustained substantial damage.
Post-Accident Findings
Photographs taken after the accident revealed ice and snow deposits on the cargo pod, right lower engine nacelle, main landing gear strut, and the right dual brake assembly. The landing runway in Missoula was dry, but the departure runway at Billings had been contaminated with snow and slush.
Inspection Results
An inspection conducted by inspectors from the FAA Helena, Montana, Flight Standards District Office found no evidence of any system mechanical malfunction that would have resulted in a brake failure.