Introduction
A Civil Air Patrol (CAP) aircraft experienced a runway excursion during landing at a destination airport, resulting in substantial damage. The pilot had previously identified an inoperative right brake during a pre-flight inspection, based on a write-up left by the previous pilot. After consulting with the CAP wing maintenance officer, the pilot decided to ferry the aircraft to another airport for maintenance.
Flight Details
The flight departed without incident. Upon arriving at the destination airport, the pilot configured the aircraft for landing with a 10-knot quartering tailwind and no flaps. The runway length was 5,000 feet.
Accident Description
During the landing roll, the pilot was unable to stop the aircraft before reaching the departure end of the runway. The aircraft continued off the runway, traversed a ditch, and came to rest inverted in an adjacent cornfield.
Inspection Findings
Post-accident examination revealed that an aluminum brake line attached to the right side tubular steel landing gear strut had chafed against the aluminum covering over the strut. A leak had developed near the lower end of the strut. Dried hydraulic fluid was found inside the aluminum covering. The mechanic who performed the last inspection stated that he did not normally remove the aluminum fairings installed over the tubular steel landing gear strut.