Casualties unknown

2002-10-20: Piper PA-32-300 (N56655) — David D. Grear — Plymouth, MI

Plymouth, MI, US

On October 20, 2002, a Piper PA-32-300 (registration N56655) operated by David D. Grear was involved in an aviation accident near Plymouth, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot not maintaining directional control during landing and the inoperative right main landing gear brake. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane sustained substantial damage after veering off the runway during landing due to a reported brake malfunction, colliding with a visual approach slope indicator light. A fire erupted but was extinguished. Subsequent inspection revealed a defective seal in the brake master cylinder.

Accident Details

The airplane experienced a loss of control during landing, resulting in substantial damage upon striking a visual approach slope indicator light. A fire subsequently erupted and was extinguished by the pilot and airport personnel. The pilot reported that during the landing roll, the right brake was not functioning. He attempted to stop using the left brake while compensating with rudder inputs. The aircraft veered to the right, departed the runway, and impacted the visual approach slope indicator light.

Brake Issues

The pilot stated that maintenance had been performed on the brakes twice in the previous two months. On those occasions, the mechanic bled the lines and added fluid. The pilot noted that he had flown the airplane the day before the accident with no reported problems.

Post-Accident Findings

Following the accident, a seal in the brake master cylinder was found to be defective. No other causal factors were identified in the source material.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20021030X05409. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.