Casualties unknown

2003-03-31: Cessna 190 (N4413C) — William G. Mathis — Lakeland, FL

Lakeland, FL, US

On March 31, 2003, a Cessna 190 (registration N4413C) operated by William G. Mathis was involved in an aviation accident near Lakeland, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind and his failure to maintain directional control. A related factor was the crosswind. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

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

During a left turn off runway 27 onto a closed runway, the right wing and right horizontal stabilizer of an airplane contacted the runway. The pilot reported the right brake became spongy and weak, but post-accident examination found no evidence of brake failure or malfunction.

Accident Description

According to the pilot, the airplane landed on runway 27 and was not moving very fast when he initiated a left turn to exit the runway onto a closed runway. As the turn progressed, the airplane continued turning left, causing the right wing and right horizontal stabilizer to lower and contact the runway surface. The airplane eventually came to rest facing north.

Pilot Statement

The pilot reported that during the left turn, the right brake became spongy and weak and would not hold, which he stated caused the continued left turn. He noted that he had not experienced any brake problems recently and that there had been no recent repairs to the brakes. After the accident, the pilot taxied the airplane from the accident site to a repair hangar, and at that time the brakes operated normally.

Examination

A post-accident examination of the right main landing gear brake was conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The examination revealed no evidence of failure or malfunction of the brake. At the time of the accident, the wind was from 360 degrees at 10 knots.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030408X00458. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.