On August 2, 2001, a Piper PA-12 (registration N7775H) was involved in an aviation accident near Anchorage, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of left brake pressure due to a missing hydraulic brake fitting. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot attempting to land on a remote airstrip lost directional control after touchdown. Despite full left rudder and brake, the aircraft veered right and hit brush. Post-accident inspection revealed a missing hydraulic fitting on the left brake assembly.
Accident Details
The pilot reported that he was attempting to land on a remote, rural airstrip where he had previously landed multiple times. The airstrip measures approximately 1,000 feet in length and 30 feet in width. Upon touchdown, the airplane immediately veered to the right. The pilot applied full left rudder and left brake but could not maintain directional control. He decided to abort the landing, but the airplane collided with brush beside the airstrip.
Post-Accident Inspection
After recovering the airplane, the pilot inspected it and found that the left main wheel brake assembly was missing a hydraulic fitting. The absence of this fitting would have caused a drop in brake fluid pressure. The pilot stated that the fitting appeared to have vibrated loose during the flight, since the brakes had functioned normally during the preflight check and taxi.
What happened in the 2 Aug 2001 Piper PA-12 accident near Anchorage, AK?
A pilot attempting to land on a remote airstrip lost directional control after touchdown. Despite full left rudder and brake, the aircraft veered right and hit brush. Post-accident inspection revealed a missing hydraulic fitting on the left brake assembly.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 2 Aug 2001 involved a Piper PA-12, registration N7775H, at Anchorage, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The loss of left brake pressure due to a missing hydraulic brake fitting.
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