On May 4, 2002, a Maule M-4-210C (registration N51460) was involved in an aviation accident near Reno, NV. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The right brake stuck due to a problem with the parking brake clip on top of the right master cylinder. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported that after applying brakes following takeoff, the right brake became locked or dragging on landing, causing a ground loop. The pilot noted a recurring issue with the right brake sticking during taxi, attributed to the parking brake clip.
Incident Details
During a flight, the pilot applied the brakes shortly after takeoff to stop the wheels from rotating. Upon landing, the right brake was either locked or dragging, resulting in the airplane ground looping. The surface wind was reported as calm.
Examination and Pilot Statement
According to the FAA inspector who examined the airplane after it had been moved to a hangar, the pilot stated that during taxi on several occasions, when the brakes were applied, the right brake would stick. The pilot identified the problem as the parking brake clip located on top of the right master cylinder.
Probable cause
The right brake stuck due to a problem with the parking brake clip on top of the right master cylinder.